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Newletters From July, 2007
SENATE PASSES OBAMA AMENDMENT TO STOP DEALERS SELLING TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OR ANYONE RECEIVING FEDERAL FUNDS UNLESS ALL TAXES HAVE BEEN PAID OR UNTIL IRS ACCEPTS AN INSTALLMENT PLAN
Originally Posted: July 30, 2007 8:47 PM
Last Updated: July 30, 2007 8:47 PM
NEEDA has been reporting on this proposed legisation throughout 2007 because it aims at interrupting dealer sales unless certain taxes have been paid or payments have been agreed to by IRS. Other Congressional version of this approach would force all dealers to pay 3% as withholding to the IRS every time they make a sale of equipment or services to a Federal, state, or local government. Assumption behind the legislation: companies selling to Federal agencies or Federal fund recipients do not pay their fair share of taxes.
If you have comments on this issue, contact your own Member of Congress or Kenton Pattie, Executive Director, National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA) 703 850 8552 or KentonP1@aol.com.
Below is Senate Amendment 2519 included in the Senate-passed Homeland Security Appropriations bill (H.R. 2638) July 28, 2007. The amendment was included in the manager's amendment, so did not receive a roll call vote.
Some of the language we have seen before in various forms, but generally it prohibits Department of Homeland Security contracts and grants over $5 million to companies unless they certify that they have no unpaid Federal tax assessments or have entered into an IRS approved installment plan. It appears quite broad and does not include an exemption for companies disputing claims. It creates three new certification requirements under Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 52.209.
Sponsor: Sen Obama, Barack [IL] (submitted 7/26/2007) (proposed 7/26/2007)
SENATE AMENDMENT NO. 2519
(Purpose: To provide that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract in an amount greater than $5 million or to award a grant in excess of such amount unless the prospective contractor or grantee certifies in writing to the agency awarding the contract or grant that the contractor or grantee owes no past due Federal tax liability)
On page 69, after line 24, insert the following:
Sec. 536. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract in an amount greater than $5 million or to award a grant in excess of such amount unless the prospective contractor or grantee certifies in writing to the agency awarding the contract or grant that the contractor or grantee has no unpaid Federal tax assessments, that the contractor or grantee has entered into an installment agreement or offer in compromise that has been accepted by the IRS to resolve any unpaid Federal tax assessments, that the contractor or grantee has entered into an installment agreement or offer in compromise that has been accepted by the IRS to resolve any unpaid Federal tax assessments, or, in the case of unpaid Federal tax assessments other than for income, estate, and gift taxes, that the liability for the unpaid assessments is the subject of a non-frivolous administrative or judicial appeal. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the certification requirement of part 52.209-5 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation shall also include a requirement for a certification by a prospective contractor of whether, within the three-year period preceding the offer for the contract, the prospective contractor--
(1) has or has not been convicted of or had a civil judgment or other judicial determination rendered against the contractor for violating any tax law or failing to pay any tax;
(2) has or has not been notified of any delinquent taxes for which the liability remains unsatisfied; or
(3) has or has not received a notice of a tax lien filed against the contractor for which the liability remains unsatisfied or for which the lien has not been released.
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US HOUSE INVESTIGATES WAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ADMINISTRATION BUYS GOODS AND SERVICES: EXEMPT FROM THE FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS WHICH APPLY TO MOST OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES
Originally Posted: July 30, 2007 5:33 AM
Last Updated: July 30, 2007 5:33 AM
Congressional hearing on how the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) buys products and safety. TSA does not operate procurement under the same regulations as most other federal agencies.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007 @ 10am
311 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC
Title of public hearing: Playing by Its Own Rules: TSAs Exemption from the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and How it Impacts Partnerships with the Private Sector
Before the House Subcommittee on Management, Investigations and Oversight
Many Congressional hearings may be seen live on C-SPAN which is available through your local cable operator.
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9-11-01 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS PASSED BY CONGRESS: HR 1
Originally Posted: July 28, 2007 1:48 PM
Last Updated: July 30, 2007 5:28 AM
The U.S. House of Representatives, in concurrence with the Senate, passed the Conference report of H.R. 1, the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007, also known as the 9/11 Commission Recommendations bill. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement:
Almost three years ago today, ten American patriots came forward and spoke with one unifiedbipartisanvoice. What they said in their 567-page report fundamentally changed Americas view of its security. Quite simply, the 9/11 Commission did its job and told us what must be done to deter and prevent future terrorist attacks on our nation.
When Congress didnt do its job to implement their recommendations, the 9/11 Commissioners stayed vigilant and formed the 9/11 Discourse Project. They did so, as they explained, because The perils of inaction are far too high-and the strategic value of the Commission's findings too important- for the work of the 9-11 Commission NOT to continue. Unfortunately, the Projects December 2005 Report Card found little progress was made on addressing known vulnerabilities and gaps in our nations security.
Still, the 109th Congress did not do its job.
On January 5th, at the direction of Speaker Pelosi, I introduced H.R. 1 a bill to complete the unfinished business of the 9/11 Commission with 200 of my colleagues. Today, I am privileged to present a bipartisan Conference Report that finally fulfills the recommendations. This report passed the Senate just before midnight by a vote of 85 to 8.
When H.R. 1 is law, homeland security grants will finally be allocated based on risk. Targeted communities will get the Federal help they need. First responders will have interoperable communications.
When H.R. 1 is law, information necessary to uncover terrorist plots will be exchanged between Federal and local law enforcement. Would-be terrorists will not be able to exploit the Visa Waiver Program. Privacy and civil liberties WILL be central in how we approach homeland security. Our rail, mass transit, and aviation systems will be more secure.
When H.R. 1 is law, 100% of U.S.-bound cargo will be scanned in a commerce-friendly manner.
Though I am disappointed that collective bargaining and whistleblower rights for TSA screeners were not included in the final report, I applaud Senator Lieberman and the 42 other Conferees who stood with us on this important legislation. Their hard work, combined with the Leadership of Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer, assured that this effort came to fruition.
Frederick Douglass once said The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous.
Thank you to the 9/11 Commission for exemplifying these values. And thank you to the 9/11 Families and everyone else who would not let us forget what was at stake if we did not act.
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OPENS APPLICATION PERIOD FOR STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (SAFER) GRANTS
Originally Posted: July 27, 2007 6:00 PM
Last Updated: July 27, 2007 6:00 PM
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted today the Program Guidance document for the FY2007 SAFER Grants at the website for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program - www.firegrantsupport.com. Under the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007, Congress appropriated $115 million for SAFER Grants. DHS has also made available today an online applicant tutorial, Frequently Asked Questions and other materials to assist applicants in their preparation of competitive applications for these grants.
SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant Seal
Beginning July 30, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin accepting applications for SAFER Grants. The deadline for receipt of the SAFER Grant applications will be 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 31, 2007.
The applications will be automated and will be accessible from the website for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program at www.firegrantsupport.com. The website also provides useful information on the SAFER Grants priorities and processes that are discussed in the Program Guidance. A list of Frequently Asked Questions is available, and will be updated, as the program staff learns about the areas of inquiry. An applicant tutorial on the SAFER Grant, designed to instruct users regarding the preparation and submittal of competitive applications, is also now available at www.firegrantsupport.com. Applicants who have questions regarding the SAFER Grant opportunities should contact the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@dhs.gov. During the SAFER application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (EDT), but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on volume and demand.
Eligible applicants for SAFER Grants include fire departments (for the hiring of firefighters) and state or local organizations as well as volunteer and combination fire departments (for volunteer recruitment and retention grants). Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the SAFER Program Guidance, and utilize all other assistance materials available on the AFG Website.
The SAFER Grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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EMPLOYEE STABILITY IMPROVES LONGER FIRMS STAYS IN BUSINESS; EMPLOYEE BENEFITS HELP KEEP EMPLOYEES STUDY SAYS
Originally Posted: July 27, 2007 5:58 PM
Last Updated: July 27, 2007 5:58 PM
John Hope and Patrick Mackin of SAG Corporation say that each additional year of tenure on a job reduces the probability of employee turnover by 81 percent. It also established that the offering of benefits reduces the probability of an employee leaving in a given year by slightly more than 26 percent.
The reasons for shorter job tenure and lower compensation in smaller establishments are not yet well understood, said Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy, US Small Business Administration.
Smaller establishments tend to be younger, and younger firms are more volatile. Their higher closure rate could be a major factor in determining job tenure rates. More study is needed to fully understand this phenomenon, he said.
The report, The Relationship Between Employee Turnover and Employee Compensation in Small Business, analyzes a unique set of data drawn from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Office of Advocacy, the small business watchdog of the federal government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to federal agencies, Congress, and the President. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats, and it funds research into small business issues.
MORE INFO? www.sba.gov/advo. or l (202) 205-653
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FLORIDA FIRE CHIEFS CALL FOR SPECIAL SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE
Originally Posted: July 26, 2007 4:12 PM
Last Updated: July 26, 2007 4:20 PM
The Florida Fire Chiefs' Association at their annual meeting today passed a resolution urging Governor Crist to call a special session to address no-fault auto insurance, including mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP). No-fault is scheduled to sunset October 1 without legislative action.
Crist has said that he believes PIP is an important medical coverage for motorists, and that he is likely to call a special session of the Florida Legislature to deal with the issue.
In its resolution the group, comprising more than 2,370 fire chiefs and executive fire officers throughout the state, thanked the Governor for his efforts to protect Florida drivers and their passengers and expressed concern that fire and EMS departments could lose millions of dollars in emergency transport reimbursements if PIP is allowed to die.
The fire chiefs also said they fear that first responders will be required to spend more time testifying in court, instead of on the job, as lawyers try to determine who is at fault in cases where emergency services were provided. The loss of PIP is expected to generate a new wave of costly and time- consuming litigation because fault will have to be established in every accident before payments can be made for medical treatment.
The association estimates that public sector firefighters and EMS personnel provide 80 percent of all emergency medical services in Florida and transport most of the auto crash victims to emergency rooms and trauma centers.
In addition to asking the governor to take up the issue in a special session, the fire chiefs are encouraging lawmakers to:
Extend PIP for now so that it does not expire without alternative medical coverage or; Replace PIP with alternative mandatory coverage that includes EMS transport services for drivers and passengers.
"It is our view that the loss of PIP will hurt all Floridians not just accident victims - through increased health and auto insurance costs and a loss of access to healthcare services for those least able to pay, " said Rick Talbert, FFCA President.
The resolution noted that one in four Floridians under the age of 65 have no health insurance coverage, and that PIP is the only source of medical coverage available to pay for transporting crash victims to hospitals. The resolution also noted that 40 percent of auto accident victims treated in hospital emergency rooms and trauma centers have no
health insurance to pay for their treatment other than PIP and that a majority of these patients are being transported by public sector EMS providers.
The fire chiefs also made it clear that Florida's healthcare delivery system, both pre-hospital and hospital will be hurt by the loss of PIP and that all Floridians, not just accident victims, will suffer because: Medical costs now covered by PIP will be transferred to health insurers and HMOs, increasing the cost of employer-sponsored insurance and making it more costly for employers to offer health insurance to employees.
Citizens ultimately will see no real savings in their motor vehicle insurance premiums if PIP is eliminated. Instead, drivers will be forced to pay for Bodily Injury Liability and Uninsured Motorist coverage.
The Florida Fire Chief's Association is the state's leading management education organization for fire and emergency services professionals. Its members specialize in promoting and supporting excellence in fire and emergency services management. The association has 11 sections providing educational resources for fire service leaders.
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION INSURANCE
WHEREAS, the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association membership met at their annual meeting in Ft. Myers, Florida on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 to discuss matters of importance to the citizens of Florida and the fire service executive leadership and expressed their concerns over the October 1, 2007 sunset of Florida's no-fault motor vehicle insurance law, including mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for motorists;
WHEREAS, since 1958, the Florida Fire Chiefs' Association has prided
itself on supporting measures that protect the life and safety of the
citizens of Florida and now raise their concern over the potential sunset
of the 36- year-old PIP program which has provided accident victims with
access to crucial healthcare services and timely insurance coverage for
injuries;
WHEREAS, the public sector fire/EMS departments provide 80% of the EMS
services in our state and transport the vast majority of the motor vehicle
crash victims and trauma patients in Florida;
WHEREAS, Florida's fire/EMS departments could lose millions of dollars
in transport reimbursements if PIP is allowed to sunset and the four
million Floridians who have no other motor vehicle insurance coverage
besides PIP will potentially add further stress to local governments if
they are unable to recover transport fees because these drivers no longer
carry any coverage;
WHEREAS, in a state where one in four Floridians under 65 have no
health coverage, PIP is the only source of medical coverage available to
pay for transporting motor vehicle accident victims to area hospitals for
life-saving healthcare services;
WHEREAS, 40 percent of all patients treated for motor vehicle accidents
in Florida's hospital emergency rooms and trauma centers have no health
insurance coverage to pay for treatments other than PIP, and may face
personal financial disaster without it and similarly, the majority of these
patients are being transported by public sector EMS providers;
WHEREAS, without PIP, first responders may find themselves caught up in
providing testimony in legal proceedings seeking to determine fault in
cases where fire/EMS services were provided, thus taking life-saving
personnel out of their field of service where they are needed most to meet
the safety and security needs of their community;
WHEREAS, Florida's healthcare delivery system, both pre-hospital and
hospital will be hurt by the loss of PIP and thus so will all Floridians --
not just accident victims -- because:
-- Medical costs now covered by PIP will be transferred to health insurers
and HMOs, increasing the cost of employer-sponsored insurance and
making it more costly for employers to offer health insurance to their
employees;
-- Fault must be determined in virtually every case and therefore accident
victims would have to await results of time-consuming, expensive
litigation before receiving compensation to pay for medical services or
property damage repairs; and
-- Citizens will ultimately see no real savings in their motor vehicle
insurance premiums by eliminating PIP as drivers will have to pay more
for Bodily Injury Liability (BI) and Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the membership of the Florida Fire
Chiefs' Association extends its heartfelt appreciation for the comments in
support of a special session on PIP by Governor Charlie Crist. The
membership respectfully requests the Governor to address the sunset of PIP
by:
1. Calling the Florida legislature back into a special session to address
no-fault motor vehicle insurance/PIP before its scheduled sunset;
2. Encouraging the Legislature to either Extend PIP for now so that it
doesn't expire without alternative coverage in place;
3. Replace PIP with alternative mandatory medical coverage that includes
fire/EMS response and/or transport services for drivers and passengers.
The Florida Fire Chief's Association is Florida's leading management education organization for fire and emergency services professionals and the professional association that specializes in promoting and supporting excellence in fire and emergency services management. As a collective body of executive leaders within the fire service and as a representatives of over 2,370 members throughout Florida, we stand ready to support Governor Crist in his efforts to protect the health and welfare of all Floridians by
leading the effort to save PIP coverage.
Approved July 25, 2007
Ft. Myers, Florida
Rick Talbert, FFCA President
Fire Chief
South Walton Fire District
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SPARTAN MOTORS: FIRE TRUCK CHASSIS SALES UP 7.9 PERCENT; HAS 39.7 PERCENT INCREASE IN NET SALES FOR QUARTER
Originally Posted: July 26, 2007 3:08 PM
Last Updated: July 26, 2007 4:05 PM
SPARTAN MOTORS: FIRE TRUCK CHASSIS SALES UP 7.9 PERCENT; HAS 39.7 PERCENT INCREASE IN NET SALES FOR QUARTER
Originally Posted: July 26, 2007 3:08 PM
Last Updated: July 26, 2007 3:08 PM
Spartan Motors,Inc. reported its second quarter results marked by a 39.7 percent increase in net sales and a 30.5 percent increase in net earnings for the quarter ended June 30, 2007.
Sales of fire truck chassis increased 7.9 percent in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period last year. Backlog for fire truck chassis at the end of the first quarter was $72.1 million, a 36.1 percent decrease compared with last year. Spartan said the decline in order backlog reflects its ability to increase production rates and reduce lead times, but also a general softness in the fire truck market compared to 2006 when
pre-buying occurred ahead of the significant 2007 engine emissions change.
Spartan's EVTeam operating unit, consisting of its Crimson Fire,
Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue subsidiaries, reported a sales increase of 5.1 percent in the 2007 second quarter compared with the prior year period. The EVTeam reported backlog of $62.7 million at the end of the quarter, an 8.0 percent decrease compared to the unit's backlog in the second quarter of 2006.
Sztykiel: The EVTeam continued to improve over the first half of 2007 and we expect this momentum to continue moving into the second half of the year: We expect the chassis production constraint affecting Crimson Fire and Crimson Fire Aerials will be alleviated by Spartan's new cab and chassis plant, which opened in May 2007. We also have added new leadership at Road Rescue and Crimson Fire, and these individuals are
already implementing operational changes and executing plans to improve results at the EVTeam over the next six months.
Spartan's EVTeam operating unit, consisting of its Crimson Fire,
Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue subsidiaries, reported a sales increase of 5.1 percent in the 2007 second quarter compared with the prior year period. The EVTeam reported backlog of $62.7 million at the end of the quarter, an 8.0 percent decrease compared to the unit's backlog in the second quarter of 2006.
Sztykiel : The EVTeam continued to improve over the first half of 2007 and we expect this momentum to continue moving into the second half of the year. We expect the chassis production constraint affecting Crimson Fire and Crimson Fire Aerials will be alleviated by Spartan's new cab and chassis plant, which opened in May 2007. We also have added new leadership at Road Rescue and Crimson Fire, and these individuals are
already implementing operational changes and executing plans to improve results at the EVTeam over the next six months.
Sztykiel: Emergency rescue, fire trucks and ambulances represent both growth and diversity for our stakeholders, and we are excited and focused relative to this market niche.Emergency rescue, fire trucks and ambulances represent both growth and diversity for our stakeholders, and we are excited and focused relative to this market niche.
Spartan, a manufacturer of custom vehicle chassis and emergency- rescue vehicles, reported net earnings of $6.5 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, on net sales of $152.6 million in the second quarter of 2007, compared with net earnings of $5.0 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, on net sales of $109.2 million in the second quarter of 2006. The company had 3-for-2 stock splits in June 2007 and Dec. 2006.
John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors: "This was another quarter in the right direction, highlighted by year- over-year improvements in sales, earnings, return on invested capital and backlog. We posted sales gains in every product group at Spartan Chassis, including ramping up production to meet current and future orders related to the military's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program, and grew sales with our recreational vehicle and emergency-rescue products, despite stiff market and economic headwinds."
Through the first six months of 2007, Spartan's sales increased 38.8 percent compared with the same period of last year, while earnings increased 44.8 percent compared to the same six-month period in 2006. The company reported net earnings per diluted share of $0.42 per share for the first six months of 2007, compared with net earnings per diluted share of $0.32 per share in the same period of 2006.
Sztykiel: "We remain on track for the best year in company history and see additional growth potential in the second half of 2007. We have increased our production capacity at Spartan Motors by approximately 27 percent on a square-footage basis, which helped our production efficiency in fire trucks and positions us to meet our growing MRAP-related orders. Our goal is to use this increased production capacity to facilitate larger deliveries in the second half of 2007 versus the first half of the year."
Sztykiel: "We are also looking at additional capacity increase options, as we believe we are in a strong position to increase our presence in the MRAP marketplace and are focused on ensuring we are not the bottleneck for this very important, life-saving product."
Spartan's gross margin decreased to 15.7 percent in the second quarter of 2007, compared with 17.1 percent for the same period in 2006, reflecting primarily a shift in product mix and margin pressures on specialty vehicle units due to increased competition. Operating margin declined modestly to 7.0 percent in the second quarter of 2007, compared with 7.4 percent in the
same quarter of 2006.
Spartan Motors' consolidated backlog increased 20.1 percent over the same quarter of last year to approximately $290.4 million as of June 30, 2007. This marks the largest backlog in company history and a $40.2 million increase from the first quarter 2007. Spartan Motors anticipates filling its current backlog orders by April 2008.
On a consolidated basis, Spartan posted a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 22.5 percent in the second quarter of 2007, a 1.4 percent increase compared to ROIC of 22.2 percent for the same quarter in 2006. (Spartan defines return on invested capital as operating income less taxes, on an annualized basis, divided by total shareholders' equity.)
The Company ended the quarter with $25.0 million in long-term debt, which includes financing for Spartan Chassis' new and renovated facilities and growth in working capital to support its increased sales. Spartan reported $1.6 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the second quarter of 2007.
Sales at Spartan Chassis, the company's largest operating unit,
increased 43.4 percent to $137.4 million, or 90.0 percent of Spartan Motors' total sales. Earnings at Spartan Chassis improved 25.5 percent in the current second quarter compared to the same quarter of last year, and the unit's backlog as of June 30, 2007 increased 31.1 percent year-over-year.
Spartan's RV chassis sales increased 2.0 percent in the 2007 second quarter, driven in part by a year-to-date 5.0 percent increase in industry wholesale shipments for Class A motorhomes as of May 2007, the latest industry data available from the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Backlog for RV chassis decreased 18.4 percent year-over-year as of June 30, 2007, reflecting waning consumer confidence and slower retail traffic at RV dealers.
Sztykiel: Spartan Chassis . . .while the going is tough, we are optimistic that we can work to gain business in a difficult RV climate. Though the RV industry as a whole continues to face challenges due to unstable and high fuel prices, the RVIA is forecasting a 4.9 percent increase in Class A motorhome shipments for 2007.
Other product sales, including specialty vehicle chassis, parts and Spartan's subcontracts for military vehicle customers, increased 485.7 percent in the second quarter of 2007. Likewise, backlog for other products increased 316.6 percent to $131.8 million as of June 30, 2007. As reported in May 2007, Spartan Chassis received subcontract orders in the second quarter of 2007 from Force Protection, Inc. and General Dynamics Land
Systems totaling $107.6 million.
Sztykiel: While our military business has been strong, we are staying focused on product innovation in all our market niches, and we remain on track to introduce a significant new custom chassis product in August 2007. Initially targeted toward the commercial chassis segment of the fire truck market, this new product will also create opportunities in the ambulance market and other commercial markets over time.
Spartan designs, engineers and manufactures custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire truck, ambulance, emergency-rescue and specialty vehicle markets. The Company's brand names - Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire Aerials(TM), and Road Rescue(TM) - are known for quality, value, service and being the first to market with innovative products. The Company employs approximately 1,300 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and South Dakota. Spartan reported sales of $445 million in 2006.
MORE INFO? www.spartanmotors.com
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CONGRESS NEARS COMPLETION OF LEGISLATION RESPONDING TO 9-11-01 RECOMMENDATIONS
Originally Posted: July 26, 2007 2:49 PM
Last Updated: July 26, 2007 2:50 PM
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, (ID-CT) have agreed on a deal between Senate and House negotiators on legislation that completes the implementation of the 9/11 Commission recommendations.
Thompson: This Congress has answered the nations call for a safer and more secure America. Passage of this vital legislation will rightly honor the men, women and children who lost their lives on September 11th. We have succeeded in filling the many gaps that have plagued our security infrastructure since that fateful day. I applaud the bicameral and bipartisan cooperation that was necessary to get this bill done right.
Lieberman: When signed into law by the President - and I urge him to do so as soon as Congress sends it to him - this bill will complete the initial phase of securing all Americans from terrorist attack, as recommended by the 9/11 Commission, Lieberman said. The bill will make it more difficult for terrorists to enter and operate in the United States. It will secure vulnerable targets from attack and help train and equip first responders and preventers to do the job we need them to do. And, it will make it more difficult to sue people who, in good faith, report suspicious activity that they think might be related to terrorism in and around airplanes, trains, and buses.
The conference report must be signed by a majority of conferees from each chamber and will then be sent to the Senate and House floors for final passage.
Key provisions of the bill include:
Greater distribution of homeland security grants for states and high-risk urban areas based on risk of terrorism, while still ensuring that all states have funds available for basic preparedness. Each state is guaranteed a minimum of .375 percent of funds in FY 2008 to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, scaling down to a minimum of 0.35% in 2012.
$1.8 billion authorization for FY 2008 to assist states and high-risk urban areas in preparing for terrorist threats; $400 million authorization for Emergency Management Performance Grants to assist states in preparing for all-hazards, and $400 million annually beginning in FY09 for interoperable emergency communications all as part of an overall effort to ensure that all states have basic capabilities to prepare for and respond to both man-made and natural disasters.
A dedicated interoperability grant program to improve interoperability at local, state, and federal levels.
More than $4 billion over four years for rail, transit, and bus security grants.
$250 million annually for airport checkpoint screening, $450 million annually for baggage screening, and $50 million annually for the next four years for aviation security R&D.
100 percent screening within five years of maritime cargo before its loaded on ships in foreign ports bound for the U.S. Secretary of Department of Homeland Security may extend deadline by two-year increments.
Screening of all cargo carried on passenger airplanes within three years.
Protection from lawsuits for people who in good faith report what they believe is terrorist activity in and around airplanes, trains, and buses.
Stronger security measures for Visa Waiver Program, which allows travelers from select countries to visit the U.S. without a visa, through creation of a new Electronic Travel Authorization system and improved reporting of lost and stolen passports.
President to publicly disclose the total amount appropriated for the intelligence community. After the next two fiscal years the President may waive the disclosure requirement only if it would harm national security. # #
MORE INFO? Dena Graziano 202-225-9978 or Leslie Phillips 202-224-0384 or (202) 226-2616 or http://homeland.house.gov
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NATIONAL INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER SAYS: WILDFIRES CONTINUE IN THE WEST
Originally Posted: July 24, 2007 1:35 PM
Last Updated: July 24, 2007 1:35 PM
Reports of wildfires in the West are coming in to NEEDA every hour. The situation is extremely serious as vast areas are burning, as previously reported by NEEDA Newsletter.
Lightning could spark more blazes in the Klamath National Forest.
A helicopter near Happy Camp, carrying water for firefighters on the ground has crashed.
Salt Creek fire in Big Hallow Canyon near Fountain Green, Utah has covered 18,000 acres. Fire in Utah has burned 33 square miles.
1,100 fire were fighting fire on the Oregon state line. The fires started July 10 and had threatened up to 550 homes near the town of Happy Camp, according to the Associated Press.
The National Interagency Fire Center says there is fire in Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Utah. A 14 square mile fire near Zion National Park is 80 percent contained.
90 miles south of Salt Lake City, fire threatened homes in Fountain Green.
Near Fountain Green residents were leaving Oaker Hills, Indian Ridge, Elk Ridge, Indianola and Holiday Oaks.
In southwestern Utah, a fire in and around backcountry areas of Zion National Park was 80 percent contained after burning 14 square miles.
Citizens are leaving Jarbidge, Nev., because of fire on 880 square miles of the Idaho-Nevada line,
Cattle were killed by fire near Murphy Hot Springs in southwestern Idaho where grazing land was burned.
Lewis and Clark National Forest, Montana has forced evacuations of residents.
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FEDERAL GRANTS TOTALING $968 MILLION AWARDED FOR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
Originally Posted: July 24, 2007 12:57 PM
Last Updated: July 24, 2007 12:57 PM
US Department of Homeland Security announced $968 million in grants to help state and local first responders improve public safety communications and coordination.
Commerce Department Secretary Gutierrez: Whether it is an event like September 11, a hurricane, earthquake, or other natural disaster, the nations firefighters, police officers, and other first responders need to communicate effectively with one another regardless of the nature of the disaster or where it occurs. Interoperable communications among first responders is critical and achieving it is a major nationwide challenge.
Under the Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) program, $968 million is being made available to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Somoa, Guam, the Northern Marianas, and U.S. Virgin Islands. The governor of each state and territory has designated a state administrative agency that can apply for and administer the funds under the program, the secretary explained.
As previously announced by NEEDA Newsletter, the final grant amounts for FY 2007 under the Homeland Security Grant Program, which includes the Urban Areas Security Initiative ($746 million); State Homeland Security Program ($509 million); Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program ($363 million); Metropolitan Medical Response System ($32 million); and Citizen Corps ($14.5 million).
The grant decisions were based on weighted criteria such as population (40%), threat (20%), and gross metropolitan product or economic data (20%).
MORE INFO? www.dhs.gov/xnews/index.shtm or a map www.dhs.gov/xgovt/grants/index.shtm
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2007 HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM MAKES $1.7 BILLION IN AWARDS; QUARTER OF AWARDS GO TO SIX URBAN AREAS AT RISK OF TERRORIST ATTACK
Originally Posted: July 24, 2007 12:38 PM
Last Updated: July 24, 2007 12:38 PM
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) awards totaling $1.7 billion, including a total of almost $411 million to the nations six urban areas at highest risk of a terrorist attack: New York City/Northern New Jersey; the National Capital Region; Los Angeles/Long Beach; the California Bay Area; Houston; and Chicago.
Homeland Security Grants grants enhance the ability of states, territories, and urban areas to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks and other disasters. Including this funding, by the end of FY 2007, DHS will have invested $23 billion in local planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises for state and local governments since September 11, 2001.
Homeland Security Secretary Michale Chertoff: HSGP is an important DHS funding mechanism for building and sustaining preparedness capabilities across the Nation. Our goal is to effectively manage risk in a way that lessens the vulnerability of the entire country, while preparing the nation to respond effectively to major catastrophes. The department remains committed to directing resources to areas that are most at risk and to ensure that our state and local partners have the training, equipment, and resources they need to become better prepared.
HSGP risk methodology considers intelligence assessments, population size and density, economic impacts, proximity to critical infrastructure, and other factors critical to national security such as proximity to international borders. HSGP is comprised of five separate grant programs: Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP), Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS), and Citizen Corps Program (CCP).
Final FY 2007 HSGP awards include:
Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI): $746.9 million
The FY 2007 UASI will provide a total of $746.9 million to the 45 urban areas eligible for FY 2007 funding. UASI supports the unique planning, equipment, training, and exercise needs of high-threat, high-density urban areas. The six highest risk Tier 1 urban areas competed for $411 million or 55 percent of available funds. The remaining UASI areas competed for $336 million or 45 percent of available funds. UASI funds are awarded based on an analysis of risk and the effectiveness of proposed investments. For the first time, Tier 1 urban areas may use up to 25 percent of their award to support state and local personnel performing counterterrorism field operations, which provides critical assistance to such activities as intelligence gathering, information sharing, and surveillance.
State Homeland Security Program (SHSP): $509.3 million
The FY 2007 SHSP will provide a total of $509.3 million to states and territories to support the implementation of State Homeland Security Strategies and build capabilities at the state and local levels through planning, equipment, training, and exercises. Allocations are determined based on analysis of relative risk and the effectiveness of proposed investments.
Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP): $363.8 million
The FY 2007 LETPP will provide a total of $363.8 million to states and territories to provide resources to law enforcement and public safety departments to support critical terrorism prevention activities, including establishing and enhancing intelligence fusion centers. Allocations are determined based on analysis of relative risk and the effectiveness of proposed investments.
Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS): $32 million
Each of the 124 MMRS jurisdictions will receive $258,145 to establish and sustain local capabilities to respond to all-hazards mass casualty incidents, including terrorism, epidemic disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and large-scale hazardous materials incidents.
Citizen Corps Program: $14.6 million
The FY 2007 Citizen Corps Program will provide a total of $14.6 million to states and territories to enhance citizen and community involvement in emergency preparedness, planning, mitigation, response, and recovery. States and territories receive a minimum allocation, with remaining funds distributed on a population-share basis.
The FY 2007 HSGP involved extensive collaboration with state and local homeland security and emergency management officials. In addition, approximately 150 state and local homeland security officials reviewed HSGP investment justifications to assess the effectiveness of proposed investments in addressing identified homeland security needs.
MORE INFO? www.dhs.gov.
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COLD HARBOR ESTABLISHES FIRE MUSEUM ON LONG ISLAND: 1845 HAND PUMPER AND 1925 AMERICAN LA FRANCE PUMPER TO BE DISPLAYED
Originally Posted: July 24, 2007 12:04 PM
Last Updated: July 24, 2007 12:07 PM
Cold Spring Harbor, New York, has created the Cold Spring Harbor Firehouse Museum pending the Town's Board of Zoning Appeals to relocate and restore the community's original Fire House (circa 1860) to a site at 84 Main Street.
The Museum's Board of Trustees was recently granted its Provisional Charter by the New York State Board of Regents authorizing it to establish and maintain a history museum relating to the Cold Spring Harbor Volunteer
Fire Department. Once restored, displayed within the Fire House will be the Department's rare 1845 wood Hand Pumper and 1925 American La France Pumper, as well as other department photographs and memorabilia.
Tom Hogan, one of the Museum's founders"Our Board of Trustees is most grateful to the men and women of the Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department for their willingness to loan to the Museum their historic equipment. We have tremendous pride in the work of our volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel and are anxious to share the history of its 155 years of service to the community."
The Museum's Board of Trustees consists of both local residents and members of the Fire Department. In addition to the original Firehouse, the museum will display equipment to be loaned to the Museum by the Fire Department. The museum will provide a forum where both young and old can learn about the evolution of firefighting and safety.
Hogan: "The synergy that will be created between the Fire House Museum, The Whaling Museum, The SPLIA Gallery, The DNA Learning Center, The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium and the Nature Conservancy's Upland Farms will provide a unique opportunity for all Long Islanders to visit and learn about Historic Cold Spring Harbor and all that it offers."
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FIVE IDEAS TO HELP YOU IN HIRING SUCCESSFULLY
Originally Posted: July 23, 2007 11:06 AM
Last Updated: July 23, 2007 11:06 AM
Here are the top five hiring mistakes small businesses make . . . and how to avoid them:
1.
Offering candidates uncompetitive compensation. Offering prospective hires a competitive compensation package is critical for small businesses, which often struggle to compete with larger companies on the basis of pay and benefits. While a competitive salary is a key part of any compensation package, candidates aren't just looking for cash. Benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, opportunities for growth and advancement, a positive work environment, and flexibility also play a large role in a candidate's decision-making process. Focus the prospective hire on the total compensation package.
2.
Relying strictly on traditional recruiting sources. Knowing where to find employees, both internally and externally, is essential for small businesses. While placing a classified ad in a newspaper may work in some markets and for some jobs, employers need to understand the full range of options that are available to them, such as online job boards, university job fairs, recruiters or employment agencies. You can often build a pipeline of quality candidates by establishing relationships with key talent sources, such as schools, professional organizations, fire departments and truck repair and maintenance centers.
3.
Failing to market your company. Don't forget that while your company is evaluating applicants, those applicants are evaluating your company. Make their choice easy by showcasing your company's strengths, opportunities and positive culture.
4.
Waiting until someone leaves - or is long gone - to fill critical positions. Not planning for or turning a blind eye to turnover is one of the most common mistakes small employers make. Start building a talent pipeline now, so when you do have a position to fill, you can quickly fill it with top talent.
5.
Hiring solely based on job fit, not organization fit. While employers large and small tend to hire based on candidates' job skills and experience, research has shown that job fit is less important than organization fit. So when interviewing prospective hires, make sure that a good organizational fit is the ultimate goal of your selection process.
"The key to attracting exceptional employees lies in avoiding these hiring mistakes and establishing a well thought out recruiting plan for your business," explains David Sikora, Director of Research at Gevity. "You can't expect great employees to find you. You have to develop a recruitment and hiring strategy to identify, target and reach them. Once you do this, you'll greatly improve the caliber of your job candidates, lower your recruiting costs and ultimately produce better business results."
If you have suggestions youd like to share with other members of NEEDA, write to KentonP1@aol.com or phone 703 850 8552.
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CQ ARTICLE FOCUSES ON CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE (CFSI)
Originally Posted: July 23, 2007 10:47 AM
Last Updated: July 23, 2007 10:47 AM
Kenton Pattie, NEEDA Executive Director, is a member of the advisory committee to CFSI.
Congressional Quarterly (CQ) is issued daily and distributed on Capitol Hill:
July 21, 2007 5:22 p.m.
There Are Plenty of Caucuses in Congress, but One for Firefighters?
By Alan K. Ota, CQ Staff
Seems so. Its membership numbers 320, including 67 senators.
But none of them have ever worked as a full-time firefighter, although a few such as former Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. have ridden on a fire truck in a parade or two.
Despite their lack of firsthand experience, lawmakers of both parties have been lining up to join the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, which tries to look after the interests of first-responders across the country. Right now it is pushing a proposal (HR 1742) sponsored by Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., that would speed up write-offs for new sprinkler systems.
The caucus seemed like it might be headed for hard times last November after the defeat of its longtime leader, former Rep. Curt Weldon, R-Pa. (1987-2007), who was a firefighter. But its emerged this year with a beefed-up membership and strong co-chairmen, including House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, D-Md., and three presidential candidates Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., Joseph R. Biden Jr., D-Del., and Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn.
Source: CQ Today
Round-the-clock coverage of news from Capitol Hill.
© 2007 Congressional Quarterly Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL OR NUCLEAR ATTACK ON PORT OF LOS ANGELES WOULD COST US AND WORLD ECONOMIES: BUT HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY CHERTOFF SAYS US SHOULD PLAN TO RECOVER FAST
Originally Posted: July 20, 2007 5:48 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2007 5:49 PM
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has a strategy for resumption of trade and avoiding paralization after a terrorist chemical, biological or nuclear attack at a major U.S. port. He spoke in Los Angeles, California.
The 130-page Department of Homeland Security's new Strategy to Enhance International Supply Chain Security covers damage assessments of international supply lines and prioritizing cargo and vessels based on public health, national security and economic needs.
The plan addresses the jurisdictions through which commerce moves, devise a chain of command, and return into service key terminals, bridges, roads, rail lines and pipelines needed to restore the flow of commodities and goods such as crude oil, clothing, car parts and medical supplies.
Closing the Port of LA would result in the loss of billions of dollars. They cite the 2002 West Coast port lockout which cost $1 billion per day for eleven days. Recovery took six months.
Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice, California): "I worry we are ripe for an attack and a port complex like this could be the first target."
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PIRATE ATTACKS AND ROBBERY ON SHIPS UP 37%: 13 SHIPS HIJACKED, 152 CREW MEMBERS TAKEN HOSTAGE
Originally Posted: July 20, 2007 5:28 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2007 5:28 PM
The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) in its second quarter 2007 Report on Piracy Against Ships, says acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the second quarter of 2007 have jumped by 37% when compared to the second quarter of 2006.
So far this year, according to a copyrighted story by Maritime Executive, 13 vessels have been hijacked and 152 crew members taken hostage (41 of which were kidnapped while 3 were killed). According to IMB Director, Captain Pottengal Mukundan, in an article on the IMB Web site, Somalia and Nigeria remain very dangerous, high risk areas with large numbers of violent kidnappings and hostage takings.
The IMB article describes some of these Somali pirate incidents: In Somalia, the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre has recorded 17 incidents to date in 2007. This is a dramatic increase over the ten attacks recorded for all of 2006. In 2007, a total of eight vessels were hijacked, with 85 crew members taken hostage. As a result of the renewed level of attacks near Somalia and a recent incident that occurred 180 NM off the Somali coast, IMB now advises vessels not calling at Somalia, to remain at least 200 NM clear of Somali waters at all times. Last month, there was an attempted attack 315 NM off the Somali coastline.
In Nigeria, 19 incidents have been reported, including the boarding of 15 vessels and one hijacking. Forty crew members have been kidnapped and 24 taken hostage in 2007. These attacks appear to be orchestrated by a few local groups, claiming their actions are in pursuit of political goals. Offshore supply vessels and their crew are frequently identified as potential targets for kidnap and ransom, although cargo ships have also been targeted.
Piracy incidents recorded during the first six months of this year (126 attacks) are similar to those of the first half of 2006 (127 attacks). However, Captain Mukundan believes the 37 percent spike in this quarter is suggestive: Despite a sustained decrease in acts of piracy over the past three years, the statistics for the second quarter of this year suggest that we may be seeing a reversal of this trend.
The IMB Director: The IMB welcomes the International Maritime Organizations efforts to refer this issue to the United Nations Security Council. We hope they will prevail upon the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia to permit naval units from other countries to assist hijacked vessels in Somali waters. It is only when the pirates see that they can no longer make easy money by seizing vessels, that we will see a reduction in attacks.
MORE INFO? Maritime Executive
3200 S. Andrews Avenue, Suite 100
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
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FEDERAL SIGNAL APPOINTS PETER GUILE AS NEW PRESIDENT OF FIRE RESCUE GROUP/E-ONE; ESA PELTOLA IS NEW PRESIDENT OF BRONTO SKYLIFT, FINLAND . . . BRONTO IS MARKETED BY E-ONE
Originally Posted: July 20, 2007 11:21 AM
Last Updated: July 20, 2007 11:27 AM
Federal Signal Corporation makes changes in the organization of its Fire Rescue Group.
Effective immediately, Peter Guile has been named president of E-ONE (OCALA, Florida), with responsibility for the Company's US-based fire apparatus business. Guile will report to Federal Signal's President and CEO Robert Welding. Guile and his family will relocate to the Ocala, Fla., area.
Guile, 42, most recently served as division president of the industrial systems business within the Safety and Security Systems Group. He joined Federal Signal in 1996 and has been instrumental in building the corporation's successful industrial systems business, achieving increased market
penetration while delivering strong and increasing profitability. The division has become a leader in providing sophisticated security solutions for high-profile industrial plants and U.S. government buildings. Also during his tenure, Guile led the turnaround of an unsuccessful business in the U.K. yielding a company that consistently produces double-digit operating margins and sustainable cash flow. In his new role, Guile will report to Federal Signal's President and CEO Robert Welding. Guile and his family will relocate to the Ocala, Fla., area.
Separately, Esa Peltola, 56, vice president and general manager of Bronto Skylift in Finland, has been named president of that business, and will also report directly to Robert Welding. Peltola joined Bronto in 1980, and has led the business to its technological and market leadership
position enjoyed today. The Bronto articulated aerial platform for the firefighting industry will continue to be distributed in the North American market exclusively by E- ONE.
Marc Gustafson, previously President of the Fire Rescue Group, is leaving the company.
President and CEO Robert D. Welding stated, "This change in the organization will enable the U.S.-based E-ONE management team, under Peter's leadership, to focus on restoring business profitability and regaining its market share. Peter is a proven executive and change agent
with demonstrated success in working with independent dealers and distributors, and I am confident that he will return E-ONE to a leadership position. Separately, under Esa Peltola, Bronto Skylift's primary focus will continue to be on growing and expanding its successful global market
position.
"We wish Marc Gustafson success in his future endeavors and would like to acknowledge the contributions made under his leadership, including implementation of the sales configurator and the introduction this year of several exciting new products.
"We remain committed to our Fire Rescue Group. As we move forward under the new leadership structure, Federal Signal will focus on building on the efficiency improvements that have resulted from the introduction of the configurator, increasing our investment in the dealer channel, continuing to invest for new product support, and improving our production assets. We expect to invest about $20 million over the next 2 to 3 years to improve our operations at E-ONE. At Bronto, our volumes and backlog have surged and we are investigating expansion alternatives for this business.
l
Federal Signal Corporation designs and manufactures products and integrated solutions for municipal, governmental, industrial and airport customers.
Federal Signal's portfolio of products include Bronto aerial devices, Elgin and Ravo street sweepers, E-ONE fire apparatus, Federal Signal safety and security systems, Guzzler industrial vacuums, Jetstream waterblasters and Vactor sewer cleaners. In addition, the company operates consumable industrial tooling businesses. Federal Signal was founded in 1901 and is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.
MORE INFO? www.federalsignal.com
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IRS WINS CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR $11.1 BILLION APPROPRIATION; $6.8 BILLION FOR ENFORCEMENT; CUTS IN $7 MILLION PRIVATE DEBT COLLECTION
Originally Posted: July 20, 2007 10:35 AM
Last Updated: July 20, 2007 10:35 AM
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government has approved the IRS budget of $11.1 billion for fiscal year 2008 after the budget was approved by the House. The amount is slightly ($112.5 million) above President Bush's suggested budget and $544.5 higher than the fiscal year 2007 budget.
Included in the IRS budget is $6.8 billion slated for enforcement activities, $2.1 billion for taxpayer services, and $282 million for modernization. Federal employees would receive a 3.5 percent wage increase.
The Senate plan would cut funding for the controversial IRS private debt collection program to $1 million. The IRS estimates the cost of continuing the program to be $7 million in 2008. The private debt collection program has collected $20 million in its first year and is expected to garner $2.2 billion in collections over the next ten years.
The budget now goes to the full Senate Finance Committee for consideration.
"This bill represents an important step forward in the effort to improve government services for the American people," said Senate Appropriations Chairman Robert Byrd (D-WV) in a statement.
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FIRE FIGHTERS RIGHTS BILL PASSES THE US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Originally Posted: July 20, 2007 9:37 AM
Last Updated: July 20, 2007 9:40 AM
The U.S. House of Representatives vote on H.R. 980 gives all public safety workers the right to collectively bargain:
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has been fighting for rights for 50 years, so the bi-partisan vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to give fire fighters collective bargaining rights is exciting news for organizations representing fire fighters.
Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI) was the primary sponsor of the bill since 1995. Rep. John J. Duncan (R-TN) was the lead Republican cosponsor. Chairman George Miller (D-CA) and Ranking Member Howard "Buck" McKeon (R- CA) of the Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee voiced their support, and H.R. 980 passed the committee with only one dissenting vote, 42- 1. H.R. 980 garnered 280 co-sponsors including 70 Republicans.
Only 12 of the more than 2,900 bills introduced this Congress have attained a majority of Congress.
In the vote, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed H.R. 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007 by a margin of 314-97. A majority of Democrats and Republicans in the House supported the measure.
"Our fundamental principal of helping candidates get elected who support fire fighters, regardless of political party, is what made the difference. When House members from both parties received calls from fire fighters back home who helped get them elected, they were eager to offer their support," the IAFF said.
"We now look forward to working with the U.S. Senate for passage of the bill there and we will lobby the President for his signature when a final proposal ultimately reaches his desk."
The bill assures four basic rights. (1) The right to organize, form a union and be recognized as the exclusive representative for employees within a specific fire department. (2) The right to bargain with a respective public employer over wages and other terms and conditions of employment. (3) The right to have a neutral third party assist in mediating any disputed issues. (4) And, the right to reduce negotiated agreements into a binding, legally enforceable contract.
The International Association of Fire Fighters, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents more than 280,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 80 percent of the nation's population.
MORE INFO? www.iaff.org.
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3% WITHHOLDING LAW; HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS CALLS FOR DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION, ASKS FOR STUDY
Originally Posted: July 18, 2007 4:57 PM
Last Updated: July 18, 2007 4:57 PM
News Concerning the 3% Withholding Law: This is an issue of importance to all dealers who sell to local, state and federal agencies . . . Congress already passed a law requiring you to pay a 3% withholding at the time of sale. So busiensses would be paying the Internal Revenue Service a 3% fee each time a sale is made. In a sense, this would be small businesses lending the Federal goverment money many months before taxes are due on net company income.
This law should be repealed. However, opposition to the law took one step forward today when implementation of the law was delayed and the US Treasury has to produce a report on the impact of the law by early 2008. Depending on what is said in the Treasury report, the business community will then have another opportunity to repeal the law. Meanwhile, the Ways and Means bill goes to the House floor where there may be an amendment to repeal the law. Similarly, a repeal effort may be attempted in the Senate.
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CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICE CAUCUS SILENT AUCTION HELPS VOICE OF FIRE SERVICE IN WASHINGTON DC
Originally Posted: July 16, 2007 10:17 AM
Last Updated: July 16, 2007 10:17 AM
5th Annual CFSI Silent Auction
July 28th 10:00AM - 2:00PM
On Saturday July 28th CFSI will hold its' 5th Annual Silent Auction in the Lobby of Firehouse Expo. This year we have received various gifts ranging from protective clothing to autographed sports memorablia. Bidding will commence at 10:00AM and close at 2:00PM. Please view a list of gifts below and be sure to visit our supporters while at Firehouse.
NEEDA is a member of the CFSI advisory committee.
To view pictures of these items please visit: www.cfsi.org/2007_auction.aspDonation
1
(4) Arizona Diamondback Tickets
and Parking Pass
Donated by: Dennis Compton & Associates
2
Instructor Resource Kit: Instructor
Donated by: IFSTA
3
Instructor Resource Kit:
Haz Mat 1st Responder
Donated by: IFSTA
4
Instructor Resource Kit:
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator
Donated by: IFSTA
5
Instructor Resource Kit:
Company Officer
Donated by: IFSTA
6
NVFC Heart Healthy Kit
Donated by: NVFC
7
#99 Andre Carter Signed Football
Donated by: Washington Redskins
8
Dmitri Young Signed Baseball
Donated by: Washington Nationals
9
Two Premium Tickets
Donated by: DC United
10
(2) Washington Nationals Tickets
and Parking Pass
Donated by: Alex Bryant
11
Troy Smith #11 Signed Hat
Donated by: Baltimore Ravens
12
Signed / Framed Lithograph
of Bobby Clarke
Donated by: Philadelphia Flyers
13
Full Page Advertisement
Donated by: Fire News
14
Razor - Bluetooth headset
Donated by: Motorola
15
Cera Sport
Donated by: Cera Products Inc.
16
Fire Engineering Books and Videos
Briefcase with Complete Set of
Collapse Series DVDS
by Vincent Dunn
Donated by: Fire Engineering Books
and Videos.com
17
3 Power Flares in a Specialized Bag
Along With 3 Replacement
Batteries
Donated by:Power Flare
18
FE5.0 Forcible Entry Tool
Donated by: TNT Rescue Systems
19
Firemans Fund Heritage
Leather Helmet
Donated by: Firemans Fund
20
14" structural boot
Donated by: Globe Manufacturing
Company
21
Command 10 Fire Headlamp
Donated by: FoxFury LLC
22
(2) Seagrave 1/64 FDNY
Rear Mount Ladder 26
Donated by: Seagrave Fire Apparatus
23
Bullard UST-Traditional Helmet
with Personalized Leather Front
Donated by: Bullard
24
Life Star Fleece Jacket with Stationary
Set
Donated by: Life Star Rescue Inc
25
Two Day /One Night Stay
Donated by: Caesars Pocono Resorts
26
Freddy and Pam plush Dolls, Three
Childrens Books, and 1 DVD
Donated by: Rainbow Valley Fire Dept.
27
Copper Plated Putter
Donated by: ISG Thermal Systems
28
Benjamin Franklin Framed Print
Donated by: CFSI
29
(2) Dinner Tickets and (1) Suite
Donated by: CFSI
30
1 Foursome for August 9th Tournament
Donated by: CFSI
31
Set of 12 Stainless Steel Solar Lights
Donated by: Paradise Garden Lighting
32
(1) 8" (1) 10" (1) 12" Pillar Candle
Donated by: Candle Impressions
33
Simple Advice Written and Autographed
by James O. Page
Donated by: Elsevier Public Safety
34
EMS Today Conference & Expo
3-day Registration held in Baltimore
March 25-29 2008
Donated by: Elsevier Public Safety
35
1-Year Subscription to
Fire-Rescue Magazine
Donated by: Elsevier Public Safety
36
Complimentary 2 Nights Stay for (2),
Including Breakfast in Capital Café
(Includes Room and Tax)
Donated by: Hilton Washington
37
American Classic Helmet
with Face Shield
Donated by: Lion Apparel
38
#37 Olie Kolzig Autographed Puck
Donated by: Washington Capitals
39
Framed Protecting Our Nation Print
Donated by: Kit Cafaro
40
Limited Edition CFSI Leather Helmet
Donated by: Fire Traditions
41
Survivor LED
Donated by: Streamlite, Inc.
42
Two Tickets and Personalized Tour of
Nextel Cup Series Race at
Dover International Speedway
Donated by: Dover International Speedway
43
Everyone Goes Home Package
Donated by: National Fallen
Firefighters Foundation
44
10S/DC Stereo Listen Only Headset
Donated by: David Clark Company, Inc.
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SPAMMERS ARE POSING AS US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: SITE IRS CASES. . . IT'S A HOAX AND SHOULD NOT BE OPENED
Originally Posted: July 14, 2007 5:43 AM
Last Updated: July 16, 2007 10:02 AM
The Department of Justice says fraudulent spam e-mail messages claiming to be from DOJ are reaching small businesses. Fraudulent messages are addressed "Dear Citizen." The messages are believed to assert that the recipients or their businesses have been the subject of complaints filed with DOJ and also forwarded to the Internal Revenue Service.
In addition, such e-mail messages may provide a case number, and state that the complaint was "filled [sic] by Mr. Henry Stewart." A DOJ logo may appear at the top of the e-mail message or in an attached file. Finally, the message may include an attachment that supposedly contains a copy of the complaint and contact information for Mr. Stewart.
These e-message are a hoax. Do not respond.
The Department of Justice did not send these unsolicited e-mail messages - and would not send such messages to the public via e-mail. Similar hoaxes have been recently perpetrated in the names of various governmental entities, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Internal Revenue Service. E-mail users should be especially wary of unsolicited warning messages that purport to come from U.S. governmental agencies directing them to click on file attachments or to provide sensitive personal information.
These spam e-mail messages are bogus and should be immediately deleted. Computers may be put at risk simply by an attempt to examine these messages for signs of fraud. It is possible that by "double-clicking" on attachments to these messages, recipients will cause malicious software - e.g., viruses, keystroke loggers, or other Trojan horse programs - to be launched on their computers.
Do not open any attachment to such messages. Delete the e-mail. Empty the deleted items folder.
If you have received this, or a similar hoax, file a complaint at the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Consumers can learn more about protecting themselves from malicious spyware and bogus e-mails at OnGuardOnline.gov, a Web site created by the Department of Justice in partnership with other federal agencies and the technology industry to help consumers stay safe online.
MORE INFO? www.onguardonline.gov/spyware.html and http://onguardonline.gov/phishing.html.
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LEGISLATION TO FORCE COMPANIES TO WITHHOLD 3 PERCENT ON ALL SALES TO LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS; TO BE DEBATED IN HOSUE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE JULY 18, 2007
Originally Posted: July 13, 2007 5:41 PM
Last Updated: July 13, 2007 5:41 PM
by Kenton Pattie
NEEDA Executive Director
KentonP1@aol.com
The House Ways and Means Committee is planning to markup a bill on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 that includes language on the 3% withholding issue. NEEDA has issued several NEEDA NEWSLETTER stories on this issue -- a withholding of 3% on all sales to local, state and federal buyers. While, NEEDA supports repeal of this 3% withholding law because it hurts all emergency equipment dealers, the Ways and Means Committee is considering delaying the implementation of the law (currently 2011) for a year or two.
The 3% withholding law is unfair to businesses selling to government agencies because it requires rebating to the IRS 3% of every government sale in the form of "withholding" without any consideration as to net year-end profit. In effect the 3% withholding law would be a tax burden on emergency equipment dealers most of whose sales are to government accounts as it would draw funds from the company on a weekly and monthly basis, long before exact year-end taxes are calculated. In effect, this law would result in dealers advancing to the Federal government tax funds months before any tax is due and thus becomes a Federal tool to borrow withholding funds from dealers. The new law just penalizes companies which sell to the government sector.
Advocates for the law say it is needed because they charge that dealers don't pay their fair share of taxes unless there is withholding submitted to the IRS on every sale. In fact, dealers do pay their fair share of taxes: the law penalizes dealers because some large national defense contractors have been found to underpay their taxes. Penalizing the dealers for the mistakes of a few large defense contractors is neither fair nor logical.
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20 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ASK HOMELAND SECURITY DEPARTMENT TO CANGE MARITIME RULES
Originally Posted: July 13, 2007 5:17 PM
Last Updated: July 13, 2007 5:17 PM
20 members of Congress signed and sent a letter from Harahan, Louisiana, to Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff on three maritime issues.
The first addresses the current rulemaking process by the Coast Guard to require foreign vessels operating on the Outer Continental Shelf to provide security-related information similar to the information they are required to report when they call on a U.S. port. We encourage you to expedite the completion of this rulemaking, and require a sufficient level of information&by foreign vessels to the Coast Guard, the letter says.
The second issue relates to the vessels that work in the offshore energy sector and are governed by the Jones Act, the cabotage law that requires the fleet of U.S. offshore energy supply vessels serving the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska and other areas off the U.S. coastline to be owned, operated and crewed by Americans. These & laws ensure the vitality of a U.S. maritime industry, and help to offset the disparity between U.S. vessels and their foreign counterparts, which are subjected to few safety, inspection and operation regulations of their home country and function in a cheaper labor environment, the letter said. & we encourage you to immediately review and reevaluate CBPs (Custom and Border Protection) jurisdiction of the Jones Act, and develop a plan for more rigorous enforcement of these laws, the letter states.
The third issue raised in the letter to DHS Secretary Chertoff asks DHS to cooperate and utilize innovative techniques to encourage compliance with the Jones Act. The letter says, The Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection each have somewhat overlapping jurisdiction with regard to offshore energy activities&we urge you to increase the roles of each agency &. we share your goal of effecting greater coordination and cooperation among the agencies that make up the Department of Homeland Security.
The letter was signed by Senators Landrieu (LA), Vitter (LA), Inouye (AK), Lott (MS), and Members of Congress Ortiz (TX), Baker (LA), McCrery (LA), Taylor (MS), Gene Green (TX), Bernice Johnson (TX), Pickering (MS), Alexander (LA), Bonner (AL), Boustany (LA), Al Green (TX), Jindal (LA), McCaul (TX), Melancon (LA), Poe (TX), and Lampson (TX).
While directed specifically toward the offshore marine sector, this letter to Secretary Chertoff addresses issues that affect us all and the security of our country, said Ken Wells, President of the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA). Currently foreign vessels operating in the energy sector offshore are not required to provide information to the Coast Guard or Customs and Border Protection on their crew or the nature or location of their work unless they visit a U.S. port. This represents a real lapse in our maritime security, Wells continued.
The letter was spearheaded by Representatives Boustany and Melancon, and Senators Landrieu and Vitter.
MORE INFO? Jeff Dobrozsi/Rep. Boustany (202) 225-2031 jeff.dobrozsi@mail.house.gov or Robin Winchell/ Rep. Melancon (202) 225-4031 robin.winchell@mail.house.gov
or Stephanie Allen/Sen. Landrieu, (202) 224-5824 stephanie_allen@landrieu.senate.gov or Joel Digrado/Sen. Vitter, (202) 224-4623, joel_digrado@vitter.senate.gov or www.newsletterscience.com/marex/pdf/00000134
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CHERTOFF GETS CRITICISM FROM HOUSE HOMELAND SECURITY CHAIRMAN FOR GUT FEELING ABOUT SECURITY THREAT AT CHICAGO TRIB MEETING
Originally Posted: July 11, 2007 3:34 PM
Last Updated: July 11, 2007 4:14 PM
Committee on Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) sent the following letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff demanding an explanation of the Secretarys recent remarks to the Chicago Tribune.
July 11, 2007
Dear Secretary Chertoff:
Over the past five years, tens of billions of taxpayer dollars have been dedicated to standing up and building capacity at the Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security is charged with deterring, preventing and responding to the threat of terrorism. To that end, systems have been erected to identify risks and communicate them to the American public. With all the resources you have at your disposal and all the progress that you assure us that you are making, I cannot understand why you are quoted in the Chicago Tribune as saying you have a gut feeling that we are entering a period of heightened risk this summer.
Words have power, Mr. Secretary. You must choose them wiselyespecially when they relate to the lives and security of the American public. What color code in the Homeland Security Advisory System is associated with a gut feeling? What sectors should be on alert as a result of your gut feeling? What cities should be asking their law enforcement to work double shifts because of your gut feeling? Are the American people supposed to purchase duct tape and plastic sheeting because of your gut feeling?
The Committee on Homeland Security has repeatedly emphasized the importance of getting specific, actionable information to our first preventers in law enforcement and other emergency response providers. I urge you to follow up on your gut feeling and share whatever information our nations first preventers need to be on alert and prepared. Otherwise, we run the risk of communities taking it upon themselves to mobilize for every possible threat. This not only would result in communities depleting their scarce homeland security resources but runs contrary to your efforts to move toward a risk-based approach to homeland security.
This fall, we will be marking the sixth anniversary of the most deadly terrorist attack on U.S. soil. With likely action on legislation to implement the unfinished business of the 9/11 Commission, Congress is poised to give you more and better opportunities to work with law enforcement in a constructive manner.
Mr. Secretary, I urge you to clarify your comments by providing concrete direction to the State, local and tribal stakeholders and if necessary make the required changes to the Nations threat level to ensure that the American public can take the necessary steps to protect their families, businesses and communities.
I would be happy to convene a classified briefing of our Members to discuss the threat to our nation if you believe that such a briefing is warranted.
Sincerely,
Bennie G. Thompson
Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security
MORE INFO? Dena Graziano or Todd Levett (202) 225-9978
THE CHICAGO TRIB STORY THAT STIMULATED THIS CONGRESSIONAL LETTER IS REPRINTED BELOW SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT EXACTLY REP. THOMPSON IS REFERRING TO:
"I believe we are entering a period this summer of increased risk," Chertoff told the Chicago Tribune's editorial board in an unusually blunt assessment of America's terrorist threat level.
"Summertime seems to be appealing to them," he said of Al Qaeda. "We do worry that they are rebuilding their activities."
Chertoff said there were not enough indications of an imminent plot to raise the threat levels nationwide. He indicated that his remarks were based on "a gut feeling" formed by previous patterns of terrorist attacks, recent Al Qaeda statements and intelligence he did not disclose.
There is an assessment "not of a specific threat but of increased vulnerability," he said.
There have been reports that suggest intelligence warnings are at a similar level to the summer before Sept. 11, 2001, and that Al Qaeda may be mobilizing.
In recent days, ABC News said a secret law enforcement report warned that Al Qaeda was preparing a "spectacular" summer attack.
On Tuesday, ABC News said "new intelligence suggests a small Al Qaeda cell is on its way to the United States, or may already be here."
ABC said the White House had called an urgent meeting for Thursday to discuss the potential threat.
"We've seen a lot more public statements from Al Qaeda," Chertoff said. "There are a lot of reasons to speculate about that, but one reason that occurs to me is that they're feeling more comfortable and raising expectations.
"We could easily be attacked," Chertoff added. "The intent to attack us remains as strong as it was on Sept. 10, 2001."
The dire warnings and Chertoff's comments come as the Bush administration faces political and business opposition over its immigration and border policies.
With stiff opposition on those issues, the administration has been unsuccessful in efforts to enact broader security measures ones that opponents fear are too costly, unnecessary and infringe on people's rights.
In a broad interview with the Tribune that lasted more than an hour, Chertoff said that Congress' recent failure to pass an immigration bill had negative repercussions for domestic security and would lead to continued federal crackdowns on illegal immigrants.
Resistance has built as well, he said, from business and travel interests blocking proposals to tighten security at the borders especially at the crossings with Canada.
In the end, Chertoff argued, Americans must decide between enduring greater inconvenience and costs or allowing terrorists easier access to the borders. He warned against increasing resistance to security measures based on comfort and self-centered motives.
A recent terrorism plot in London and Scotland has America's defense system on alert, Chertoff said. He urged Americans to be attentive.
"If you look at that picture, you see an enemy that is improving itself just as we're improving ourselves," he said. "They can't afford to remain static just as we can't afford to remain static."
Over the next 18 months, as the Bush administration draws to a close, Chertoff said he planned to put security options before Americans.
"The public has to make the choices," he said.
Chertoff predicts dire consequences if border crossings are not tightened with stricter document regulations because of opposition from business interests.
"What do you think is going to happen to your business when a guy comes across the border with a phony document and blows up a target in Buffalo or Detroit?" he asked. "Do you think the American public is then going to allow the border to remain open?"
He said there would be security repercussions from Congress' failure to pass immigration reform. Chertoff had hoped that granting a path to citizenship to illegal immigrants would cut away "the tall grass" hiding criminal elements among the undocumented workers.
But now, Chertoff said, his agency must uphold current laws, and that means a further crackdown on workplaces.
"We are going to do more law enforcement actions," he said.
Conceding the raids are "going to be ugly" and tear parents from their children, Chertoff warned that "the consequences are going to be tough from an economic and humanitarian standpoint."
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OSHKOSH/PIERCE MAKE CHANGES AT THE TOP: RANDJELOVIC IS CEO OF FIRE AND EMERGENCY GROUP; FENNER IS HEADS FIRE AND EMERGENCY GROUP; WILSON JONES IS PRESIDENT OF PIERCE MANUFACTURING
Originally Posted: July 10, 2007 11:06 AM
Last Updated: July 10, 2007 11:06 AM
Truck and president of the Fire and Emergency Group; and Wilson Jones, right, president Pierce Manufacturing Inc.
July 10, 2007, APPLETON, Wis., Oshkosh Truck Corporation (Appleton, Wisconsin) announced organizational changes in its Fire and Emergency Group and Pierce Manufacturing Inc., to drive greater agility in the execution of its business unit strategies. In the Fire and Emergency Group, John W. Randjelovic was promoted to CEO, and Thomas (Tom) D. Fenner to executive vice president of Oshkosh Truck and president of the Fire and Emergency Group. Simultaneously, Wilson Jones was promoted to president of Pierce Manufacturing Inc.
These new appointments are designed to align our Fire and Emergency Group to enhance decision-making and knowledge sharing across business units, as well as help continue to deliver the most modern and safe products and services our customers need to perform their jobs, said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Truck Corporation chairman, president and chief executive officer. We have real business momentum, and the time is right to make this important transition. I like the team we have in place today, and believe that the future for the Fire and Emergency Group is extremely positive.
The Fire and Emergency Group includes the following business units: Pierce Manufacturing Inc., Kewaunee Fabrications, Oshkosh® airport and municipal products, Medtec Ambulance Corporation, JerrDan Corporation, BAI Brescia Antincendi International Srl, and Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles. The Group manufactures the following products: fire and rescue apparatus, aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, snow removal vehicles, ambulances, towing carriers and wreckers, and broadcast communications and mobile medical vehicles.
John W. Randjelovic. Randjelovic, who remains an executive vice president with Oshkosh Truck Corporation, was promoted to CEO for the Fire and Emergency Group. Randjelovic was most recently president of the Fire Emergency Group and Pierce, and was appointed President of Pierce in September 1998. Since joining Oshkosh Truck in 1992, Randjelovic has distinguished himself in various positions including vice president and general manager of the former Oshkosh Trailer division, and served as vice president and general manager of Pierce. Randjelovic holds a bachelors degree in business management from Lewis University in Lockport, Illinois.
Thomas (Tom) D. Fenner. Fenners appointment to the head of the Fire and Emergency Group along with executive vice president of Oshkosh Truck Corporation follows his most recent position as vice president, general manager for airport and municipal products business unit where he was responsible for airport products sales, engineering, production, and service. Fenner was also Chief Procurement Officer for the corporation, where he was responsible for the companys strategic procurement activities, global sourcing and supply chain management and development. Since joining Oshkosh Truck Corporation in 1982, Fenner has held increasingly broad and responsible positions predominantly in operations, including vice president, manufacturing operations, at both Pierce Manufacturing and McNeilus Companies. Fenner also served with the U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps Staff Academy, and is a graduate of the Kellogg-Northwestern Advanced Executive Program.
Wilson Jones. Jones, who was named president of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., joined Oshkosh Truck in 2005, was most recently vice president, sales and marketing for the Fire and Emergency Group. Prior to that position, Jones was the vice president, general manager, of the airport and municipal products business unit at Oshkosh Truck where he led a strategic international initiative for the company. Jones has more than 22 years experience in specialty vehicle manufacturing and has served on the Boards for both the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association and the American Ambulance Association. Jones holds a bachelors degree in business administration from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas.
Pierce Manufacturing Inc., a subsidiary of Oshkosh Truck Corporation, is the leading North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. In addition, Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce the Side Roll Protection"
MORE INFO? www.piercemfg.com.
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WILDFIRE STRIKES THOUSANDS OF ACRES IN AT LEAST SIX WESTERN STATES
Originally Posted: July 10, 2007 10:53 AM
Last Updated: July 10, 2007 10:53 AM
Wildfires in South Dakota, California, Utah, Nevada, Washington, Colorado, Montana and Oregon, started by lightning and fueled by the dry conditions and a persistent heat wave have hit the US West.
Fires closed Kitt Peak National Observatory in southern Arizona while communities evacuated as high winds confronted firefighters.
At least nine fires larger than 100 acres were burning across Arizona.
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FEDERAL AID AVAILABLE TO HELP BUSINESSES HIT BY MAY 5-18, 2007 STORMS AND FLOODS IN MISSOURI: EXAMPLE OF HOW FEMA OPERATES AFTER A DISASTER
Originally Posted: July 10, 2007 10:39 AM
Last Updated: July 10, 2007 10:39 AM
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges homeowners, renters, business owners in areas of Missouri affected by the severe storms and flooding May 5-18, 2007 to send in disaster assitance applications, including one from the US Small Business Administration.
Business owners and nonprofit organizations may apply for loans up to $1.5 million for permanent rebuilding and replacement of uninsured or underinsured property. SBA also offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) up to $1.5 million for alleviating economic injury caused by the disaster. These loans provide working capital until normal operations resume after a physical disaster. The law restricts economic injury disaster loans to small businesses only.
FEMA officials announced distribution of $1.3 million in disaster assistance to individuals and households in 17 declared counties in northwest Missouri. A total of 574 disaster households have registered for FEMA assistance as of the close of businesses July 8 with 282 approved for assistance so far. Two inspectors in the field have completed 96 percent of requested inspections to date with an average turnaround time less than a day and a half.
To date, FEMA Community Relations representatives going door-to-door have visited more than 2,328 homes, 216 businesses and 128 city and county emergency managers to explain FEMA disaster assistance programs, promote visits to Disaster Recovery Centers and stress the importance of returning SBA applications.
A total of 101 households have visited the Disaster Recovery Centers circulating in the affected region.
The SBA loan application is a part of the process in registering and helps the SBA and FEMA determine additional assistance that may be available.
Federal Coordinating Officer Lee H. Rosenberg, FEMAs top official for disaster recovery in the affected area: "Disaster registrants are not required to take out an approved SBA loan, but they may short-circuit or even halt the assistance process by postponing or ignoring this key information-gathering step."
"Disaster registrants receiving the SBA packet should return it immediately even if there is no intention to take out a loan. The loan decision is a key step in determining eligibility for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses," added State Coordinating Officer Ronald M. Reynolds, director of Missouris State Emergency Management Agency.
SBA low-interest loans are the primary source of federal funds for long-term assistance for homeowners, renters and business owners who have uninsured or under-insured property damaged in the disaster. Homeowners may qualify for disaster loans up to $200,000 and personal property loans are available up to $40,000 for homeowners and renters.
MORE INFO? 800-621-FEMA OR 800-659-2955.
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REMINDER: FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE $5.85 PER HOUR ON JULY 24: SEE COMPLETE STORY IN JUNE 4, 2007 NEED NEWSLETTER
Originally Posted: July 10, 2007 10:13 AM
Last Updated: July 10, 2007 10:13 AM
On June 4, 2007, NEEDA reported that the minumum wage is going up. This is a reminder to all small businesses:
July 24th of 2007 the federal minimum wage becomes $5.85 per hour.
For the full story, see the NEEDA NEWSLETTER for June 4, 2007.
Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
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FIRE EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER TYCO ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER RESULTS ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2007
Originally Posted: July 10, 2007 9:57 AM
Last Updated: July 10, 2007 9:57 AM
Tyco International Ltd. (Pembroke, Bermuda) will report third quarter results before trading begins on August 7, 2007. The company will hold a conference call
at 8:30 a.m. EDT. The call can be accessed in the following
ways:
-- At Tyco's website: http://investors.tyco.com.
-- By telephone: For both "listen-only" participants and those participants who wish to take part in the question-and-answer portion of the call, the telephone dial-in number in the U.S. is (800) 288-8960. For participants outside the U.S., the dial-in number is (6 2) 288-0337
-- An audio replay of the conference call will be available beginning at
12:00 noon on August 7, 2007 and ending at 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2007. The dial-in number for U.S. participants is (800) 475-6701. For participants outside the U.S., the replay dial-in number is (320) 365-3844. The replay access code for all callers is 880300.
Tyco International is a diversified, global company that
provides vital products and services to customers in more than 60 countries. Tyco is a leading provider of security products and services, fire protection and detection products and services, valves and controls, and other industrial products. Tyco completed the spin-off of its
healthcare and electronics businesses on June 29, 2007 and today has annual revenues of $18 billion and 115,000 employees.
MORE INFO? www.tyco.com
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EMPLOYEES DON'T LEAVE BECAUSE OF PAY; RATHER, THEY WANT RESPECT AND TRUST
Originally Posted: July 9, 2007 1:18 PM
Last Updated: July 9, 2007 1:18 PM
The first thirty days of a new employee are critical. Create a buddy sponsor and pay the buddy $X (for example $250) to guide the new employee the first month. Let the new employee choose his buddy after two weeks. Can you imagine the cooperation and help the new person will get that first week.
* Make sure you have a legitimate documented employee orientation program.
* Identify training needs throughout the organization. Create a training matrix. Allocate funds. Develop an intern program for leadership candidates that show exceptional promise. Create mentoring programs. Train your managers on coaching and mentoring. Dont forget education. Reimburse tuition; create specific educational curriculums for specific management level employees. Create a company university program.
Annual appraisal forms are worthless! Create an obligation for all managers to spend a minimum of thirty minutes a month discussing performance and opportunity with their direct reports. Record it on a 4 x 6 card. This will make annual performance reviews meaningful because you now have data for the entire year, twelve mini reviews.
Statistics and surveys prove that the majority of employees that leave their employers do not leave due to pay.
Employees want to be treated like people. They want respect and trust. Employees will not start respecting their leaders until their leaders start respecting them. They will not start trusting their leaders until their leaders start trusting them. Ask yourself how you would want your managers to treat your son or your daughter if they worked for them? Some of you have family in the business.
Fairness---- Employees want fairness in all their dealings. This starts with fair pay. Is it your goal as a company to pay at or above market? This includes base pay, benefits, recognition and other non monetary rewards. Fair and consistent treatment is a must. Award and recognize with extra paid days off in conjunction with a weekend. Buy the book 1001 ways to make it fun to come to work.
Accountability ---- Employees want to be held accountable. They want to be empowered. They want to contribute. Make sure they understand what their job really entails. What are their responsibilities. Job descriptions, if you have them, are often vague or incomplete.
Coach and Mentor your employees.
Do these things and you will be on your way to becoming -- Employer of Choice. Your recruitment and retention problems will be minimal. Employees will excel. They will release that discretionary energy and apply it to creating competitive advantage. Training your employees will increase their drive for success. Fairness creates happy employees. Happy employees create satisfied customers.
Check out Ricks new CD and Workbook -- Real World Leadership Kit --- Learning to Lead So Others Will Follow
http://www.ceostrategist.com/resources-store/real-world-leadership.html
Real World Leadership Learning to Lead so Others Will Follow
(3 CDs and Workbook)
Effective leaders must have an edge. They must be courageous enough to take risk and have an unrelenting readiness to act. Popularity is not a requirement, but the ability to generate respect from the employees is, without a doubt, one of the most critical attributes. They must be relentless in their efforts, unconcerned about personal sacrifice of their time, and willing to go beyond normal expectations. Tough decisions are commonplace; uncharted territories will be the norm. Honesty and impeccable character are musts. This program provides the insight, training and focuses on Coaching & Mentoring a leadership skill that everyone talks about but very little has been done to help leaders develop those skills. This program not only will build on your personal leadership model but it addresses the skill of coaching and mentoring.
MORE INFO? www.ceostrategist.com
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CONGRESS RELEASES REPORT: CRITICAL LEADERSHIP VACANCIES OF 24% IMPEDE U.S. DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
Originally Posted: July 9, 2007 12:56 PM
Last Updated: July 9, 2007 12:56 PM
Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, says one quarter of the senior leadership positions located in the Department of Homeland Security are vacant.
The overall senior leadership vacancies, termed executive resources, are 24%, and refer to positions in the highest salary bands (including political appointments) of the Federal government.
In addition to leadership vacancies, the report (titled "CRITICAL LEADERSHIP VACANCIES IMPEDE U.S. DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY") finds that a high number of critical national security jobs at the Department of Homeland Security are filled by political appointees.
So there could be a lapse in leadership when political employees resign at the end of the Bush Administration to make way for new administrators appointed by the new administration.
Rep. Thompson: Homeland Security was bruised when the country learned that Michael Brown, no longer there, was running FEMA. . . . Not just a national security concern, DHSs lack of leadership has triggered record-low employee morale, an immeasurable disservice to the hundreds of thousands of men and woman working on the front lines to protect our country."
As of May 1, 2007 there were 575 executive resource positions at DHS. 138 of these were vacant (24%).
These vacancies can be found throughout the Department in a number of critical components and administrative functions. Just a few examples:
48% leadership vacancies at the Asst. Sec. for Policy (11 of 23 leadership slots vacant).
47% leadership vacancies at the Office of Gen. Counsel (9 of 19 leadership slots vacant).
36% leadership vacancies at the Asst. Sec. for Intelligence (8 of 22 leadership slots vacant).
34% leadership vacancies at US Citizenship and Immigration Services (16 of 47 slots vacant).
31% leadership vacancies at FEMA (24 of 77 vacant).
31% leadership vacancies at ICE (19 of 62 vacant).
29% leadership vacancies at the Coast Guard (4 of 14 slots vacant).
Report title: "CRITICAL LEADERSHIP VACANCIES IMPEDE U.S. DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
MORE INFO? Dena Graziano or Todd Levett (202) 225-9978
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MODERN MINE SAFETY OFFERS NEW BLOWER FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN COAL MINES
Originally Posted: July 9, 2007 12:28 PM
Last Updated: July 9, 2007 12:28 PM
Modern Mine Safety Supply, LLC, Utah, says the U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) approved their permissible explosion proof blower assembly June 26, 2007.
After months of work and research this technology is now available to power carbon dioxide scrubbing units in refuge chambers, safe havens and other potential applications to assist in breathable air and emergency response in the
underground coal mining environments.
Modern Mine Safety Supply, LLC Huntington, Utah, offers a high quality Mine Refuge Chamber and Turn Key Safe Haven. With the addition of the permissible explosion proof blower assembly it makes their carbon dioxide scrubbing unit more efficient and effective.
The Mine Refuge Chamber is certified by the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training, and is in the process of being tested by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH).
MORE INFO? www.mininghealthandsafety.com. Or Randy Tatton CMSP, President 801-253-9279 or cell 801-673-1400 randy@mininghealthandsfety.com
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MUELLER OFFERS NEW PRODUCTS TO STOP TERRORIST PENETRATION OF WATER SUPPLY THROUGH PUBLIC HYDRANTS
Originally Posted: July 9, 2007 12:16 PM
Last Updated: July 9, 2007 12:16 PM
Two new fire hydrant security products were shown recently at the Annual American Water Works Association Conference and Exhibition, Toronto, Canada.
The two products are designed to deter attempts to contaminate the public water supply through fire hydrants, a danger that has concerned cities and counties since 9/11.
The Mueller(R) Super Centurion 250/HS(TM) "High Security" Fire Hydrant has a check valve as an integral part of the hydrant onnection to the water main. It blocks any reverse flow of water borne contaminants from the hydrant back into the public water main.
So, because of this product, a terrorist could not successfully enter the water supply by opening a hydrant.
The Mueller(R) Nozzle Check Valve, prevents the
introduction of contaminants into hydrants through an opened nozzle.
Both products work with new hydrants; the Nozzle Check Valve works with existing hydrants.
Ken Clark, Mueller Co. Marketing Vice President: "These two products work 24/7 to deter infiltration of the water supply
by contaminants, whether they are introduced deliberately or accidentally."
Because of these products fire emergency first responders will not need special tools to use the hydrant, and water utilities will not have to modify how they maintain.
The Check Valve uses a fabric and steel reinforced rubber flapper in the hydrant's shoe to prevent reverse flow of water. The underlying valve design has performed reliably in field installations of the Company's check valves for many years.
The Nozzle Check Valve uses a stainless steel disc and mechanism to lock the disc against a rubber seat in the nozzle. This mechanism prevents the disc from being opened from the outside of the hydrant, yet the disc mechanism is designed to open fully under the full flow of water from inside the hydrant.
Mueller Co. products for use in water distribution networks and treatment facilitie including engineered valves, hydrants, ductile iron pipe and pipe fittings, which are utilized by municipalities, commercial and residential construction, oil and gas, HVAC and fire protection industries.
Revenues of $1.9 billion, Mueller includes: Mueller Co., U.S. Pipe and Anvil. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, employing
6,600 people.
MORE INFO? www.muellerwaterproducts.com or Katrina Blauvelt at 770-206-4240 orkblauvelt@muellerwp.co
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BUDGET CUTS AND DISPUTE IN PENNSYLVANIA MAY REDUCE FIRE TRAINING AND PREPAREDNESS TRAINING FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: July 6, 2007 5:33 PM
Last Updated: July 6, 2007 5:33 PM
Governor Edward G. Rendell is working to adopt a budget that requires no broad based tax increases, provides sufficient resources to ensure that Pennsylvania continues to improve its public schools, offers high quality child care, helps Pennsylvanians get good jobs and helps our companies grow, but the State Fire Commissioner, forced by the federal government to classify state employees in the event of budget impasses, warns a budget impasse
could affect commonwealth services.
Fire Commissioner Edward A. Mann: "Since employees within the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and State Fire Academy are deemed by the state as non-critical, important work within the fire service will not take place for the duration of the impasse.
Among the services that will cease during the furlough are:
-- Processing of loan applications for volunteer fire companies, ambulance
services and rescue companies;
-- Preparations for the Volunteer Fire Company/Volunteer Emergency Medical
Services grant program;
-- Fire training courses;
-- Participation in fire expos and conventions statewide;
-- Fire incident data collection and submission to National Fire Incident
Reporting System.
Governor Edward G. Rendell proposed a $27.3 billion budget on Feb. 6 that offered solutions for Pennsylvania's transportation funding crisis, relief for overburdened property taxpayers, innovative ideas for attracting the best and brightest scientists to find cures for the world's deadliest diseases, ways to free residents from their dependence on foreign oil, expansion of successful education initiatives and bold ideas for bringing health care to every Pennsylvanian.
Recently, however, members of the Senate opted, instead, to demand that
the budget cut millions of dollars from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade
education programs, economic development and job training programs, as well as child care and mental health programs.
MORE INFO? Justin Fleming (717) 651-2009
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RURAL-METRO WINS FIRE AND EMS CONTRACTS IN SHELBY, TENNESSEE, AND BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON
Originally Posted: July 6, 2007 12:02 PM
Last Updated: July 6, 2007 12:02 PM
Rural/Metro Corporation has been awarded a five-year contract to continue providing exclusive 911 emergency medical transportation services in Shelby County, Tennessee. The company it has also been awarded a new contract to become the preferred provider of non-emergency medical transportation services for St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, Washington.
The Shelby performance-based contract begins July 1, 2007 and is expected to generate estimated net revenue of $30 million over its initial five-year term. The contract is expected to generate net revenue of approximately $6.0 million per year, which includes a $2.9 million annual subsidy provided by the county. The contract was awarded in a competitive bidding process and provides for a one-year earned renewal option following the initial term, for a total possible length of six years.
Jack Brucker, President and Chief Executive Officer: "We are very pleased to serve the citizens of Shelby County and look forward to our future contributions as we work to enhance the emergency response system in the communities we serve. As the incumbent provider in a competitive bid, our success was measured by our continued strong commitment to the needs of this growing market."
Bryan Gibson, President of the Company's Southern Region: "We have developed strong customer relationships with members of these communities and remain committed to providing high-quality medical transportation services throughout Shelby County. Our employees are dedicated professionals whose top priority is quality patient care."
Rural/Metro has provided emergency medical transportation services in Shelby County since 1998 and responds to more than 11,000 emergency calls annually.
Shelby County is Tennessee's largest county with a population nearly 1 million and is home to the county seat of Memphis. Rural/Metro serves more than 325,000 citizens in the communities of Arlington, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland, Millington, and the unincorporated areas of Shelby County.
Rural/Metro Corporation also has been awarded a new contract to become the preferred provider of non-emergency medical transportation services for St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, Washington.
The two-year contract is expected to generate new net revenue of approximately $1.2 million annually. The contract begins August 1, 2007 and features automatic annual renewal terms thereafter.
Jack Brucker, President and Chief Executive Officer: "We are very pleased to continue to expand our Northwest base of operations to include St. Joseph Hospital and the patients they serve in Bellingham. This contract not only provides opportunities to leverage our presence in a high-growth area of the state, but also to gain added management and operational efficiencies throughout the region."
St. Joseph Hospital is a part of the PeaceHealth system, which operates hospitals and physician clinics in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. It is the only hospital facility in Whatcom County, located south of the Canadian border between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. Whatcom County is among the fastest-growing counties in Washington, and Bellingham is the county seat.
Boo Heffner, Group President: "We look forward to providing high-quality, dependable medical transportation services to St. Joseph Hospital and their patients and to further build on a strong and successful platform of emergency and non-emergency medical transportation services in the Pacific Northwest."
Rural/Metro Corporation provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation, fire protection, and other safety services in 24 states and approximately 400 communities throughout the United States.
Rural/Metro has provided medical transportation services in Washington's Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties for more than 15 years. The company's 300 Washington-based employees provide approximately 41,000 emergency and non-emergency ambulance transports throughout the area each year.
MORE INFO? www.ruralmetro.com
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WOODARD IS FIRST FEMALE DEPUTY CHIEF IN FAIRFAX COUNTY; THIEL IS NEW FIRE CHIEF IN ALEXANDRIA
Originally Posted: July 6, 2007 11:40 AM
Last Updated: July 6, 2007 12:23 PM
Congratulations to Christine Woodard, Fairfax County's Deputy chief of Emergency Medical Services. She is the first woman deputy fire chief in the county. She is one of two women who completed 25 years as Fairfax County firefighters.
She earned her bachelor's degreee in physical educaiotn from George Washington University, Washington DC and was in the 56th Recruit School in 1982, just three years after the county hired its first female firefighter.
She has a masters in emergency services management administration through the University of Maryland.
Christine is 51 and is the single parent of three children.
Previously, she had been promoted to battalion chief and assigned to the Emergency Medical Services in 2005.
Also in the news: Adam Thiel is the new fire chief for City of Alexandria, Virginia. He previously was in the Fairfax County Fire Department before moving in the US West for various assignments in the fire services. While the news has not broken to the public about Adam's appointment, he is stepping into the leadership of one of the nation's oldest fire departments with a huge tradition and big respect in the Washington area where they respond to all hazards when needed.
MORE INFO? http://www.alexandriava.gov/
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HOUSE HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARINGS MONDAY, JULY 9 in TUNKHANNOCK, PA AND JULY 12 IN WASHINGTON DC
Originally Posted: July 6, 2007 10:52 AM
Last Updated: July 6, 2007 10:52 AM
US House Homeland Security Committee Schedule for the Week of July 9-13, 2007
Monday, July 9, 2007 @ 1:30pm
y Courthouse (courtroom)
Located at 1 Court House Square, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania 18657
Field hearing - Farm to Fork: Partnerships to Protect the Food You Eat
à Subcommittee on Management, Investigations, and Oversight
Witnesses: Dr. Thomas McGinn, Director, Veterinary & Agriculture Security, Office of Health Affairs, Department of Homeland Security; T. David Filson, Emergency Preparedness & Response Coordinator and Partnership, Expansion Leader Penn State Cooperative Extension; Dr. Frederic J. Hoerr, Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University
Thursday, July 12, 2007 @ 2pm
1539 Longworth House Office Building
Challenges Facing First Responders in Border Communities
à Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response
Witnesses (partial): Luis Sosa, Jr., Fire Chief, Laredo, Texas; William Elfo, Sheriff, Whatcom County, Washington; Christopher Lombard, Communications Special Operations, Seattle, Washington Fire Department; Ms. Leesa Berens Morrison, Director, Arizona Department of Homeland Security
MORE INFO? Dena Graziano or Adam Comis (202) 225-9978.
United States House of Representatives
Committee on Homeland Security
H2-176, Ford House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 226-2616 | Fax: (202) 226-4499
http://homeland.house.gov
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FLAGS TO BE LOWERED AT NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL SERVICE, EMMITSBURG, MD.: OCTOBER 5-7, '07
Originally Posted: July 6, 2007 10:24 AM
Last Updated: July 6, 2007 10:42 AM
The US Senate has passed S. RES. 171, memorializing fallen firefighters by lowering the United States flag to half-staff on the day of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
The Senate Resolution notes that 1,100,000 men and women comprise the fire service in the United States; fire service personnel selflessly respond to over 22,500,000 emergency calls annually, without reservation and with an unwavering commitment to the safety of their fellow citizens;
Fire service personnel are the first to respond to an emergency, whether it involves a fire , medical emergency, spill of hazardous materials, natural disaster, act of terrorism, or transportation accident; but, approximately 100 fire service personnel die annually in the line of duty. The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland, will be held at the site where extensive training is offered first responders and Federal administrative offices are located.
About the Memorial Weekend
Since 1982, a grateful Nation has honored its fallen fire heroes during the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend held in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This year's Memorial Weekend events will take place October 5-7, 2007
Families of fallen firefighters being honored this year and returning survivors will register at their hotels and attend a welcome reception on Friday evening.
Survivors of the fallen firefighters will participate in Family Day activities on Saturday on the National Fire Academy campus in Emmitsburg. An evening Candlelight Service at the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton will conclude the day.
On Sunday, honor guard units and bagpipers will open the Memorial Service with a procession honoring America's bravest and their families. The national tribute will conclude with the unveiling of plaques listing the names of the 2006 fallen heroes and others being honored who died in previous years.
NEEDA recommends you show your respect by sponsoring special events in your community. Ask your local cable company to make the nationally-broadcast services available so all may share in honoring America's bravest.
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HEALTH PREMIUMS FOR EMPLOYEE HMO PLANS WILL INCREASE 14.1 % IN 2008: SHIFTING MORE COSTS TO EMPLOYEES OR NEGOTIATING A BETTER PLAN ARE TWO STRATEGIES FOR DEALERS
Originally Posted: July 6, 2007 9:52 AM
Last Updated: July 6, 2007 9:52 AM
HMO premium rates will increase by approximately 14.1 percent in 2008 - the highest rate increase in four years. Despite the rise in rates, companies will focus more on improving employee health, less on employee cost shifting.
As dealers begin to negotiate HMO plan rates for 2008, data shows that initial 2008 HMO rate increases are averaging 14.1 percent, compared with 11.7 percent in 2007 and 12.4 percent for 2006. After plan changes, negotiations and terminations, final average HMO rates increased by 8.2 percent in 2007.
Jeff Smith, a senior consultant and co-leader of Hewitt's HMO rate analysis project: "While the majority of HMOs are proposing initial rate increases that are consistent with those provided in previous years, a few carriers have proposed significantly higher rate increases for 2008, which seems to be the primary reason for the spike in this year's overall rate increase across plans. We expect that average rates will decrease once negotiations are complete; however, they may continue to be in the double digits."
While the U.S. will see an overall increase in rates, two regions of the country - the Southeast and Midwest - will experience significantly higher than average rates next year. Preliminary analysis shows an 18.2 percent increase for the Southeast in 2008 compared with 11.0 percent at this time last year, and an 18.4 percent increase for the Midwest, compared with 11.5 percent last year. (See charts for more regional information.)
Maureen Fay, senior consultant and co-leader of Hewitt's HMO rate analysis project: "We always expect to see variances in rate increases across regions, due to differences in demographics, provider costs, and common plan designs and coverage, as well as rates for health plans that target these areas. As plans finalize their rates through the summer and fall, we will learn more about the specific cost drivers for these regions."
Employers are considering ways to help mitigate the impact of high HMO premium increases on health care budgets, including:
Shifting Costs to Employees: Historically, employers have relied heavily on cost shifting - either through plan design or payroll contributions - to help manage health care rate increases. In recent years, an increasing number of employers have implemented specific plan designs that encourage employees who are over-utilizing or abusing benefits to change their behaviors by increasing costs for those particular services. For example, companies have separated out copays between primary care providers and specialists (typically, specialist copay is $15 to $20 higher) to discourage inappropriate use of specialists.
Moving to Self-Insured Plans: As fully insured rates increase in excess of overall medical cost increases, an increasing number of employers plan to further eliminate local HMO offerings and consolidate those plan participants under a self-insured arrangement, in which employers assume the full financial risk for medical claim costs, paying a health plan an administrative fee for services such as claims processing and provider network management. Self-insurance reduces employer administrative costs and allows companies to pay claims based on their own experience rather than health plan book-of-business experience and trend rates. In addition, it enables employers to offer more consistent plan designs and health care programs across their entire employee population, reducing administrative costs and simplifying communication messages to employees during annual enrollment.
Aggressively Negotiating With Health Plans: As in past years, employers continue to negotiate aggressively with their health plans to try to reduce initial premium increases; however, this is becoming an increasingly difficult strategy for mitigating costs.
"The continued consolidation of HMO plans has resulted in fewer employees enrolling in local HMO offerings, leaving employers with less leverage during negotiations," said Smith. "In addition, an increasing number of healthy employees - who have historically enrolled in local HMOs - are now enrolling in consumer-driven health plans, which has affected health risk of the HMOs' employee population. To counter this concern about adverse selection, many HMOs have become conservative in their trend assumptions and less willing to bend on negotiations."
Implementing Strategies for Keeping Employees Healthy: More companies are now looking beyond the traditional ways of mitigating health care costs and have begun to focus on improving the overall health and wellness of their employees by encouraging preventive care and developing special programs designed to address the needs of the employee population that have chronic health conditions.
According to a recent Hewitt survey, almost two-thirds (63 percent) of employers plan to take more aggressive, multiyear steps to help employees improve their health by increasing education efforts, implementing condition management programs, and using data analysis and other cutting-edge programs to improve health and productivity while holding participants accountable for their behaviors.
In addition, employers are beginning to incorporate value-based design changes into their health care programs that remove unnecessary barriers to employees getting the care they need by providing employees with incentives to use appropriate care/services in managing their health. According to a recent Hewitt survey, almost one in five (19 percent) companies include or plan to include, by the end of the year, benefit designs based on evidence-based medicine and appropriate care protocols, such as waiving copayments for prescription drugs that are proven to be effective and appropriate to treat certain diseases. Another 60 percent are considering implementing them at a future date.
Jim Winkler, leader of Hewitt's U.S. Health Management Consulting business: "Many employers feel that they have 'run out of runway' with traditional cost-shifting methodologies, as these types of strategies put barriers in place that deny employees access to essential health care. We're working to develop health care programs and plan designs that drive behavior change by targeting the health and health risk needs of their diverse workforce, recognizing the distinct differences among consumers, patients and providers, and eliminating barriers to effective understanding, prevention and treatment. While the increase in HMO rates may create immediate pressure for employers, they can manage costs more effectively over the long term by keeping employees healthy and productive at work."
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PENNSYLVANIA FIRE AND AMBULANCE COMPANIES GET FIVE MORE YEARS OF GRANTS TO BUY EQUIPMENT
Originally Posted: July 6, 2007 7:03 AM
Last Updated: July 6, 2007 7:14 AM
Pennsylvania's Governor Edward G.Rendell signed legislation into law to extend for five years a state grant program that's designed to help volunteer fire and ambulance companies buy life-saving equipment, build and renovate fire houses and pay their bills.
Since the enactment of the Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Act in 2000, volunteer fire companies have been able to apply for grants of up to $15,000 to help pay for equipment, facilities and debt service; ambulance companies have been eligible to receive grants of up to $10,000. However, the program was set to sunset on June 30, 2007.
Gov. Rendell: "Not being able to apply for this money could have hurt volunteer fire companies and ambulance services and jeopardized the lives of those they serve to help and protect. By extending the grantprogram another five years, they will have peace-of-mind and theopportunity to be better prepared for the emergencies that await them."
Under House Bill 906, which was unanimously approved by the House and Senate, volunteer fire companies and ambulance services will be able to submit one application for grants from the 2006-07 and 2007-08 fiscal years, with payments being made on or after Dec. 14 (for 2006-07) and Jan. 15, 2008 (for 2007-08).
HB 906 also:
-- Provides that an applicant for a grant who failed to return a signed agreement for the preceding year shall not be eligible to receive a grant in the current year unless the applicant has provided the State Fire Commissioner with a reasonable, written explanation as to why it did not claim its grant;
-- Says an applicant who cannot demonstrate that it complied with its grant agreement in the previous year shall not be eligible to receive a grant; and
-- An applicant who is delinquent in payments to the Pennsylvania Volunteer Loan Assistance Program shall agree to use its grant to pay any arrears to the Commonwealth, or not be eligible to receive a grant.
The State Fire Commissioner administers the grant program under the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. PEMA also coordinates the Pennsylvania's Volunteer Loan Assistance Program, a different program that's designed to help volunteer companies offset the high cost of equipment and construction with low-interest loans.
MORE INFO? www.governor.state.pa.us or Doug Rohanna 717-783-1116
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BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES TO INVESTIGATE CAUSE OF PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA FIRE; 17TH ATF INVESTIGATION IN 2007
Originally Posted: July 6, 2007 6:40 AM
Last Updated: July 6, 2007 6:45 AM
The National Response Teamfrom the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with ATF special agents from the San Francisco Field Division have entered the investigation of a fire that occurred July 1 at a commercial building that housed a Walgreens drugstore and a Subway sandwich shop in Palo Alto, California.
Firefighters from Palo Alto, Mountain View and Santa Clara County responded and were involved in the fire suppression for more than five hours. Preliminary damages were estimated at nearly $3 million and the building, at 310 University Avenue, one of the busiest streets in the Palo Alto area, appears to be a total loss. There were no injuries.
"The Palo Alto Fire Department and the Palo Alto Police Department have made a joint request for ATF's National Response Team to assist us in the origin and cause of this fire," Palo Alto Fire Chief Nicholas Marinaro said. National Response Team (NRT) members arrived July 4 07 week to initiate the scene investigation.
The NRT has brought expertise and an array of state-of-the-art equipment to the investigation of major fire and explosives incidents since 1978. Four regional components, organized geographically to cover the United States, comprise the NRT. Once requested, the team can respond within 24 hours to assist state and local law enforcement or fire service personnel in onsite investigations.
The responding NRT component has 13-18 members, including veteran special agents who have post-blast and fire origin-and-cause expertise; forensic chemists; explosives enforcement officers; fire protection engineers; accelerant detection canines; explosives detection canines; and intelligence, computer forensic and audit support. A fleet of fully equipped response vehicles strategically located throughout the United States provides logistical support.
ATF's partnership with federal, state and local officers is vital to the most effective processing efforts at an explosives or fire scene. The NRT capitalizes on that by working alongside its partners in reconstructing the scene, identifying the seat of the blast or the origin of the fire, conducting interviews and sifting through debris to obtain evidence related to the explosion or fire.
In addition to investigating hundreds of large fire and explosives scenes, the NRT trucks were deployed for the 2001 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, the Olympics and other major sporting events in the United States, presidential inaugurations and the national political conventions, and major international conferences.
This is the 17th activation of the NRT in fiscal year 2007 and the 635th since the program began in 1978.
ATF is the federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction for investigating major fires and crimes of arson.
MORE INFO? www.atf.gov. Nina Delgadillo, PIO, ATF 888-416-4533 or Rich Bullerjahn, Police Agent, Palo Alto Police Department 650-743-9970
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FEMA SPENDS $8 BILLION IN ALABAMA, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI AND TEXAS TO RECOVER FROM KATRINA AND RITA HURRICANES
Originally Posted: July 6, 2007 6:25 AM
Last Updated: July 6, 2007 6:25 AM
Communities in four states devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are rebuilding with more than $8 billion in Public Assistance grants provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
State and local governments in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas are using the $8.04 billion for repair and reconstruction of hurricane-damaged schools, roads, utilities and other public infrastructure and removal of storm debris.
Gil Jamieson, FEMAs Associate Deputy Administrator for Gulf Coast Recovery: "FEMA and our state and local partners have been aggressive in our commitment to rebuild what Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have destroyed.
"The $8 billion is a significant accomplishment for FEMA and our partners. It is more than what FEMA provided for Public Assistance after Hurricanes Hugo, Andrew, Georges, Ivan and the Northridge Earthquake combined. It also demonstrates FEMAs continued commitment to the citizens of the Gulf Coast."
Funds provided by FEMA are obligated for projects and placed in the respective states designated account. The state administers the FEMA grants and disburses the funding to the grant applicants. FEMA is providing 100 percent of the eligible costs of the projects.
Jamieson says FEMA has documented damages and funded over 58,000 projects in the four states: "While this is a significant accomplishment, FEMA will continue to work with applicants to identify and fund all eligible damages related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Well not leave or close up shop along the Gulf Coast until the job is complete."
Through the Public Assistance Grant Program, FEMA reimburses state and local governments and certain eligible private nonprofit organizations for the actual costs for work required because of the disaster. Eligible projects include damaged roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and their contents, publicly owned utilities and parks and recreation areas. The Public Assistance Grant Program also includes funds for emergency services and eligible debris-removal costs related to the disaster.
Public Assistance funds have been paid to each state as follows:
Alabama
PA funds obligated to state: $106.64 million
Louisiana
PA funds obligated to state: $4.85 billion
Mississippi
PA funds obligated to state: $2.12 billion
Texas
PA funds paid to state: $962 million
The Gulf Coast Recovery Office coordinates FEMAs recovery and mitigation programs in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas as they recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
FEMA coordinates the federal governments role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
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DEFENSE DEPARTMENT PROCUREMENT IS UP, STAFF IS DOWN, DRAMATIC OVERRUNS AND LOW ACQUISITION SUPERVISION IS RAMPANT
Originally Posted: July 5, 2007 3:55 PM
Last Updated: July 5, 2007 3:58 PM
Things are tough these days for the staffs that manage procurement at the Department of Defense. The staff size is now 270,000 employees, but this is 40% less that the early 1990s. During the same period Defense spending has increased 78% to $151 Billion.
These procuremnt officers deal with 7.5 million Federal contractors, up 1.5 million from 2002. "The acquisition workforce couldn't be in any more distress right now, and I know they are frustrated that they can't oversee the contracts that they have. The are looking at the hunks of monegy flowing out but don't have the bodies to keep up," the Washington Post was told today by a procurement officer.
During the decline in workforce, the Army launched a modernization program with insufficient staff to manage it.
In one instance, Defense hired Boeing to manage a project which has doubled in cost to $163 billion. A ship being built by Lockheed Martin went 50% over budget. In 2006 of 60 major Defense acquisition programs 21 were being managed by the private sector.
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FEMA ADMINISTRATOR PAULISON TELLS LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERS THEIR VOICES ARE BEING HEARD AT FEMA; NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT ADVISOR BEING APPOINTED TO PAULISON'S STAFF
Originally Posted: July 5, 2007 3:38 PM
Last Updated: July 5, 2007 3:45 PM
Continuing the department's efforts to forge a nimble, effective emergency response system and a culture of preparedness, FEMA Administrator David Paulison, and Matthew Shoaf and Hugh Breslin of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) addressed the National Sheriffs' Association, at its 2007 Annual Conference.
Paulison said FEMA is serious about working hand-in-hand with law enforcement in the days and years to come, and repeated his message that the voices and ideas of the law enforcement community are being heard. He focused on efforts to work with and learn from local sheriffs through FEMA's 10 Regional Administrators, from law enforcement representatives on FEMA's National Advisory Council, and through elements of FEMA's recent reorganization. Paulison also announced that FEMA was creating the position of Law Enforcement Advisor to the administrator.
"We will be ready to work with you and your teams when disaster strikes," Paulison said. "Whether it is a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, or even a man-made event, FEMA is better prepared to respond this year than ever before." Paulison also noted that the "New FEMA is more inclusive and incorporates many of the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, including distributing grants to help communities prepare before a disaster strikes" grants that are especially important to the first responder community.
Representing FLETC, Matthew Shoaf, a course developer in FLETC's Computer and Financial Investigation Division, and Counterterrorism Senior Instructor Hugh Breslin, conducted two seminars for attendees. Shoaf's topic was "Targeting MySpace Bandits." He presented a brief overview of how offenders use myspace.com to commit criminal acts and shared techniques for investigation, forensics, and obtaining evidence from the (myspace.com) Web site. Breslin provided an introduction for law enforcement first responders to a Weapons of Mass Destruction attack involving a radiological dispersal device, otherwise known as a dirty bomb. He talked about learning how to recognize a dirty bomb threat, the common radioactive materials that make a dirty bomb, and the impact and responsibilities of the first responders.
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JEMS GETS NEW LOOK
Originally Posted: July 5, 2007 2:32 PM
Last Updated: July 5, 2007 2:32 PM
Elsevier Pubic Safety, a division of Elsevier Inc., is re-designing JEMS.com, the online resource for EMS personnel, with easier navigation, rich editorial content, reference tools and community forums, and the most comprehensive Buyers Guide in the EMS industry.
Launched in 1995, JEMS.com was a pioneer in providing EMS resources on the Web. . . 12 years later, JEMS.com is continuing its leadership with the launch of a new Web format. The re-design incorporates an easier-to-use interface allowing for faster navigation and increased accessibility.
A.J. Heightman, editorial director: JEMS.com will continue to feature original, insightful columns from a variety of EMS experts, but with the added feature of allowing readers to comment on articles and share their views.
With 131,000 unique visitors and 456,683 total visits in the month of May 2007, JEMS.com is a force in the EMS market. Add to that the more than 34,000 registered recipients of the JEMS.com twice-weekly eNewsletter and the opportunity to reach the EMS market is clear. With easier navigation, additional features and a strong marketing program, the site is expected to grow its traffic exponentially.
The foundation of the JEMS.com sales program is the JEMS Buyers Guide and its associated sponsorship opportunities.
Jeff Berend, vice president/publisher: The JEMS Buyers Guide has been an industry fixture for more than 21 years and it will continue to include a wide range of content designed to help EMS decision-makers and influencers research and purchase products in our online and print versions.
Buyers Guide Sponsorships include placement of new products, articles, reports and press releases as well as video, catalog and special promotions.
MORE INFO? JEMS.com Judi Leidiger, advertising director, (619) 795-9040 or jleidiger@adreturn.com, or Noelle Chartier, Western sales representative, at (858) 484-8554 or nchartier@san.rr.com. Editorial inquiries: Lisa Bell, JEMS managing editor, (619) 699-6386 or l.bell@elsevier.com. Online advertising informationhttp://www.jems.com/about/advertise.html.
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TEN IDEAS FOR DEALER OWNERS AND MANAGERS: GET READY FOR SEPTEMBER 07 BUSINESS SURGE
Originally Posted: July 5, 2007 1:56 PM
Last Updated: July 5, 2007 1:56 PM
Managing an emergency equipment dealership is hard work!
You already know that!!
Idea for July 07? Take the time to organize your office and minimize your future administrative burden and refocus your efforts on business basics and long-term goals. You know business will pick in September, so clear the decks and plan for it now!
1. Review the clutter
Pull out your paperwork, look over invoices, bank statements, and receiptsand don't panic if you find yourself confronted with a mountain of paper. Unnecessary and untended paperwork will slow your business down in the long run, so knowing where you stand is half the battle.
2. Divide and conquer
Separate paperwork into manageable piles. Throw out what you no longer need, catch up with your invoicing, meticulously work through files until you have a clean slate and clear view of your bookkeeping. Time spent organizing now is time saved later.
3. Detox your desktop
Keep only the relevant information that you are working on at the moment on your desk and keep personal items to a minimum to prevent your mind from wandering. Clearing the decks will help you concentrate more on the tasks at hand.
4. Clear your computer
See the wood from the trees by having a good sort out of your computer and deleting all spam and junk emails that you do not need. Act on any urgent messages and organize the rest in relevant files.
5. Get your business plan out of storage
With your day to day administrative work organized, you now have the opportunity to look at your long term plan. Revisit your business plan and review. Is there anything that can be improved? Have you followed your budget? If not, how can you get back on track?
6. Reassess your suppliers
When was the last time you negotiated prices with your suppliers? Many companies get familiar with suppliers and forget to push them for bulk or loyalty discounts. Think what effect a five or ten per cent reduction in costs could have on your profits. Take another look at the market place and discover what new suppliers are charging to see if you are getting a fair price.
7. Be efficient
By taking a few moments to record all your ongoing projects, it will be easier to prepare an accurate invoice and will save you time in the long run. Always ask your customer for a purchase order number and quote it on your invoice. Prepare the invoice immediately after the job has finished and be very clear about your payment terms.
8. Sort out your cash flow
Is your business funding slowing down your firm's growth plans? If so, consider more innovative funding solutions. A bank overdraft that is repayable on demand may destroy any momentum you have built up. Consider invoice finance; it frees up your cash flow by releasing up to 85% of the value of your outstanding invoices as soon as you issue them. The invoice financier then chases payment for you freeing up your time.
9. Put your accountant on speed dial
An accountant can help you get your systems in order; some will also give business advice. Plus, they provide a range of tax services. If you don't yet have an accountant - start looking! If you are worried about fee levels, make sure you get quotes before appointing your chosen firm or individual.
10. Harness people power
Review your staffing levels and identify any potentially significant skills gaps within your workforce that are holding your business back. Research and consider external training courses to boost the skills and improve motivation and morale, by investing in your existing staff.
MORE INFO? Bibby Financial Services
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CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR REPEAL OF 3% WITHHOLDING ON DEALER LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS PAYMENTS
Originally Posted: July 2, 2007 5:59 AM
Last Updated: July 2, 2007 9:49 AM
Bipartisan members of the House Ways and Means Committee joined local government and business groups to rally support for legislation that would eliminate tax withholding requirements on government contractor payments owed to federal, state and local.
NEEDA has reported often in 2007 on this issue as it seriously affects emergency equipment dealers. (See NEEDA Newsletter.) NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie: I hope others in the fire and emergency industry will oppose the 3% withholding law and assist in its repeal. No one is served fairly by this new law and it definitely does not help the fire service in the United States.
Reps. Kendrick Meek (D-Fla.) and Wally Herger (R-Calif.) spearheaded the event to shore up a final push for legislation, the Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2007 (H.R. 1023), which would repeal a mandatory 3 percent withholding requirement on all government payments to contracted vendors starting in 2011.
The withholding requirement was originally included in the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act, passed during the 109th Congress, to narrow what Meek called the "tax gap" and ferret out non-compliant vendors.
The number of cosponsors is approaching 160, Meek said today. "When I woke up we had something like 154; now I think we're up to 158 and well on our way to 160," Meek said. "We have colleagues coming up to us from the left and right, saying, 'Put me on this bill.'"
In a "Dear Colleague" letter released today by Meek, he claims that the withholding policy unfairly hinders the business efforts of the majority of trustworthy government contractors.
"The 3 percent withholding provision paints all taxpayers that provide goods or services to governments as would-be criminals, which could both drive up the cost of doing business and increase the price of goods and services purchased by governments," he said.
The assumption behind the provision was that contractors hired by governments don't always pay their assigned share of taxes. But that assumption is wrong, Meek argued, deeming the 3 percent hold an interest-free loan to the federal government that instead should go to the businesses providing aid to governments.
Herger described its inclusion in the 2005 tax bill as a bit of mystery. The provision, he said, was the product of back-room negotiations between conferees and was not communicated to members when the conference report was presented for final passage. He further posited that conferees must have known the measure was unjust because they postponed its activation to 2011.
"It was interjected in a conference committee in the middle of the night, not to be enacted a few days later but until January 2011," he said. "All of that kind of shows that even the people doing it realized that this was really some pretty bad stuff."
Equally questionable, the sponsors argue, is the provision's cost. The Congressional Budget Office originally scored the measure as raising $6 billion annually, Meek said, but the lawmaker contended that this forecast is wildly off. The Joint Committee on Taxation puts the revenue raised around $300 million per year. Impetus for the difference, he argued, was pressure on conferees to add revenue raisers to keep the cost of the 2005 tax bill as low as possible.
"We ended up with this provision that no one saw coming," he said.
Martin Regalia, vice-president for economic and tax policy and chief economist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the proposal unfairly harms reputable vendors. "This taxes people who are known to have paid, and essentially make them write the government a loan," said Regalia. "And that's bad tax policy."
In addition to the unfair taxation of small businesses, Meek and Herger expressed concern that the requirement would place undue strain upon local governments - who they claim would have to negotiate new contracts with vendors and pay withholding taxes to the federal government as a result of the provisions.
Sally Heyman, a board member of the National Association of Counties, said, "Without the repeal of [the provision], local governments will have to pay out literally hundreds of millions of dollars."
The bill has been submitted to the Ways and Means Committee. Both Herger and Meek believe there is enough support to pass it from the committee and further believe that the Senate is interested in moving a similar bill.Reps.
The Government Withholding Relief Coalition, a group made up of over 50 private sector associations representing thousands of U.S. businesses, in rallying support for H.R. 1023, the Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2007. Rep. Meek and Herger's legislation, which has over 150 cosponsors, would repeal section 511 of the Tax increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005.
"Section 511 unfairly burdens our cities, counties and urban centers where many people living below the poverty line reside," said Congressman Kendrick B. Meek. "If Section 511 is not repealed, the poor will be further squeezed as the increased cost of future procurement contracts will be passed on to the neediest people, while services and day-to-day operations may be jeopardized too. Small businesses and companies pursuing government contracts, many of whom operate on tight margins or irregular cash flows, would be adversely affected by this withholding tax. It could also discourage vendors from bidding on government contracts, reducing competition and increasing prices."
"Three percent withholding simply isn't fair," Rep. Wally Herger stated. "It makes the already difficult job of paying taxes more costly and burdensome to the vast majority of taxpayers who are already paying their fair-share and on-time. It is nothing short of amazing that our repeal legislation has already passed the 150 cosponsor mark. We have really thrown open the doors on this issue thanks to the grassroots and door-to-door work of the Government Withholding Relief Coalition and Its member associations. I look forward to continuing to work for passage."
Section 511 requires all levels of government with more than $ 100 million in annual procurement to withhold 3% of the payment for most goods and services procured by that governmental entity. The sweeping and unfunded mandate imposes massive administrative and financial burdens on local governments as they will have to retool their accounts payable systems to implement the new law. This requirement will also sap cash flows needed for day-to-day, private sector business operations and force some companies to alter their business models and pricing schemes when dealing with government customers.
Congressman Kendrick B. Meek is the lone Floridian to serve on the Ways and Means Committee and represents the 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
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